PISAT placed into orbit

PISAT was successfully placed into polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) orbit today by India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its thirty-seventh flight (PSLV-C35). Prime Minister, Narendra Modi tweeted “I applaud the industrious and innovative students of PES University, Bengaluru for creating PISAT that was launched successfully today”. The launch vehicle, carrying multiple satellites including PISAT lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9:12 am. The team on the PES University campus is preparing to receive data from the satellite. PISAT was shipped to Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR) rocket launch centre on 11th September 2016 in the presence of Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, SSS PD Mr. Amareshwar Khened, and other officials. A team of 11 from PES University were present at SHAR for pre-launch activities of PISAT from 11th to 17th September. During the period PISAT was interfaced with ejection mechanism and integrated with the launch vehicle. Earlier, after stringent performance and quality tests by expert committee, the nanosatellite was formally handed over to ISRO at a function on the campus attended by top officials from the government and ISRO on April 20, 2016. The University takes pride in enabling students to get hands on experience and understand critical space technology and quality requirements. The joint initiative of ISRO and PES University and five other colleges proved to be a great opportunity for students to work on space research, analyze launch readiness and related activities. As a policy ISRO extends support to technical institutions and student missions. After extensive technical evaluation by ISRO scientists, PES University was given the responsibility of leading design, development, fabrication and testing of student nanosatellite, PISAT. Four other engineering colleges collaborated on the project. The University established Electro Static Discharge Room and Satellite Control Facility on campus. PISAT is a three axis stabilized imaging nanosatellite weighing about 5 Kg and generates 13 watts power with S-band RF communication. The major subsystems are: an imaging camera to provide earth imageries with 80 meter resolution, On Board Computer (OBC), Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), RF communication system with S Band frequency, telemetry, telecommand, thermal system, structure and Electrical Power System (EPS). The ground software was developed for on-ground orbit determination essential for mission operations. The University appreciates the commitment and diligence of the students and staff members who guided the students, Dr. V.K.Agrawal, Dr. V.Sambasiva Rao, Divya Rao A, Prof. Mahendra Nayak, Dr. S. Venugopalan, S. Nagabhushanam, and Shanmugham C N. The experience of working on a challenging assignment is sure to inspire the students to persevere and pursue excellence. The University will continue to actively support interdisciplinary projects that bring together students and staff from various streams to come up with solutions for real world problems.