An Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket ran into trouble on Sunday after it
experienced data loss in the terminal stage. The rocket was carrying two
satellites – Earth Observation Satellite -02 and AzaadiSAT – satellite built by
750 girl students under the Space Kidz programme. The success or failure of the
space launch depends on whether the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) could
be placed in a stable orbit.
The AzaadiSAT
satellite has been sent to space to mark the 75th year of India’s
Independence from British Rule. The satellite has been built by 750 girl
students and contains 75 payloads. Students built the satellite as part of the
Space Kidz programme – a government-run initiative that seeks to teach school
students the basics of space.
The eight-kg
satellite comprises 75 Femto experiments, selfie cameras to take pictures of
its own solar panels and long-range communication transponders. The satellite
will be on mission for six months. On Sunday, the 750 girl students who were
part of the satellite building exercise waited with bated breath before the
launch.
Also Read | ISRO rocket carrying 2 satellites experiences data loss in final phase
Rifath Sharook,
the Chief Technology Officer of the Space Kidz programme, said, “This is the
first of its kind space mission with an all-women concept to promote women in
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as this year’s UN theme
is ‘Women in Space,” PTI reported.
“Three groups from our
school have participated in this SSLV launch. I am very glad that we got this
opportunity. We really worked hard on it and today we will witness the launch
of the AzaadiSAT satellite,” said Shreya, a student from Telangana prior
to the launch.
Regarding the success
or failure of the rocket launch, ISRO chairman S Somnath said, “SSLV-D1 performed as expected at all stages. In the terminal
phase of the mission, some data loss is occurring. We are analysing the data to
conclude the final outcome of the mission with respect to achieving a stable
orbit.”
