Odisha is set to achieve a major milestone in space technology with the launch of its first indigenously developed satellite,CGUSAT-1, on 12 January. The satellite was designed and built by a 31-member team fromC. V. Raman Global Universityin Bhubaneswar, comprising 11 faculty members and 20 students, and will be launched aboard thePSLV-C62 rocketfrom Sriharikota.
Emergency Communication and Disaster Management
CGUSAT-1 is designed to function as a critical communication tool during emergencies and natural disasters. Once placed inLow Earth Orbit, the satellite will circle the globe, sending its strongest signals overBhubaneswar, enabling the transmission of crucial data and messages even when conventional networks fail.
“CGUSAT-1 will primarily support disaster management and relief operations, facilitating communication between government agencies across India and worldwide,” saidSoumya Mishra, Ground Station Custodian of CGUSAT-1. “Through relay operations, it can connect with multiple ground stations.”
Pre-launch preparations include tracking the satellite, receiving its first signals, and transmitting response signals back, as explained byDevadatta Sahu, a student in communication.
From Training to Launch
The satellite project began after university faculty and students gained hands-on experience at institutions in Israel, followed by specialised training in Hyderabad. Within a year, the satellite was developed, and anMoU with IN-SPACe, Ahmedabad, was signed to facilitate the launch.
“All operations will be conducted with ISRO’s approval. In the event of a communication breakdown, CGUSAT-1 will ensure connectivity between locations, remaining operational even when conventional systems fail during disaster management. This is a proud moment for our university and Odisha,” saidVice-Chancellor Bansidhar Majhi.
As faculty and students witness the historic launch from Sriharikota,CGUSAT-1 symbolizes Odisha’s growing presence in India’s space ecosystemand marks a major step forward in the state’s technological achievements.
