Odisha’s first university-built satellite CGUSAT-1 launched from Sriharikota

Odisha marked a significant achievement in space research and higher education on Monday with the launch of its first university-built satellite, CGUSAT-1. The satellite has been developed by CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, making it the first indigenously built satellite from the state by an academic institution.

CGUSAT-1 was launched at 10:17 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C62 rocket.

Built by CV Raman Global University Team

The satellite was developed by a 31-member team comprising students and faculty members of CV Raman Global University. The project, which began nearly five years ago, reflects the growing role of academic institutions in India’s space ecosystem.

According to reports, CGUSAT-1 is designed to function as a communication platform, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.

Part of ISRO’s Multi-National Launch Mission

CGUSAT-1 is part of a multi-national satellite launch mission undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite is among 17 small satellites from various countries that were launched along with ISRO’s ‘Divya Drishti’ satellite.

Scientists and technical teams from several countries were present at Sriharikota to witness the launch, highlighting ISRO’s standing as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider in the global space market.

Students Share Journey and Experience

Students involved in the project expressed excitement and pride ahead of the launch. One student said the journey began in 2020 with self-learning and research, followed by formal training at an institute in Hyderabad.

“We later completed internships in 2023, where we gained hands-on experience. We applied everything we learned, and today we are seeing the result of those efforts,” the student said.

Another student credited the university’s faculty members for their continuous guidance and support throughout the project.

Confidence and Optimism Ahead of Launch

Expressing confidence in the mission, a student said the presence of international teams at the launch boosted their morale. “Teams from the USA, Thailand and other countries are also launching their satellites here. Their trust in ISRO and in student-led missions like ours is encouraging,” she said.

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She added that student participation in satellite development marks a positive shift in India’s space research ecosystem. “Earlier, such projects were limited to top scientists and researchers. Giving students this opportunity is a major milestone,” she said.