Odisha’s first indigenous satellite CGUSAT-1 set for historic launch

Odisha is set to mark a major milestone in space technology as its first indigenously built satellite, CGUSAT-1, heads into space on 12 January. Developed by a 31-member team of 11 faculty members and 20 students from Bhubaneswar-based C. V. Raman Global University, the satellite will be launched aboard the PSLV-C62 rocket from Sriharikota.

Role in Emergency Communication

CGUSAT-1 has been designed to serve as a vital communication tool during emergencies and natural disasters. According to Ground Station Custodian Soumya Mishra, once placed in Low Earth Orbit, the satellite will circle the globe and deliver its strongest signals when passing over Bhubaneswar, enabling the transmission of crucial data and messages even when conventional networks fail.

“CGUSAT-1 will primarily be used for disaster management, particularly in relief operations, enabling communication and support from government agencies across India and around the world. Through relay operations, it can communicate with multiple ground stations,” said Soumya Mishra, Ground Station Custodian, CGUSAT-1.

“We are currently carrying out pre-launch preparations to track the satellite once it is deployed. This includes receiving the first signal from the satellite and transmitting our initial response signal back to it,” said Devadatta Sahu, a communication student.

Journey from Training to Launch

The project took shape after university advisors and students gained satellite development exposure at institutions in Israel. Following specialised training in Hyderabad, the satellite was built within a year. An MoU was signed with IN-SPACe, Ahmedabad, for its launch.

“All operations will be conducted with the permission of ISRO, which has already granted approval. In the event of a communication breakdown, our system will enable communication between different locations. Even if conventional systems fail during disaster management operations, CGUSAT-1 will remain operational. This is a proud moment for C. V. Raman Global University and for the state of Odisha,” said Bansidhar Majhi, Vice-Chancellor of C. V. Raman Global University.

Looking to the Skies

As faculty and students witness the launch from Sriharikota, CGUSAT-1 stands as a proud symbol of Odisha’s growing presence in India’s space ecosystem.