About:
- Under its ‘75 Student Satellites Mission 2022’, Up to 75 tiny satellites built by students of Indian universities could fly to the skies between late next year and 2022 in batches.
- Students of participating institutions would come from different disciplines and get to build nano satellites weighing between 3 and 12 kg. They may demonstrate a novel concept, science experiment, or technology in orbit.
- The ITCA has roped in around 40 engineering colleges to form a consortium. It is also in the midst of discussing launch contracts with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Global Scenario of Student Satellites:
- In the last three to five years, other countries launched about 3,500 student satellites that demonstrated innovative technologies; another 2,500 could be in the offing. Indian universities have so far built and launched only nine satellites of fleeting lifespans.
- A student satellite, depending on its payload, can cost between ₹30 and ₹50 lakh and ₹5 and ₹6 crore.
