The ‘Daksha’ mission, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, aims to design and build satellites and the most powerful telescopes to contribute to the deep space race. This ambitious project involves a group of 45 students from IIT Bombay working on the development of three main technologies: satellite technology, ground station development, and telescope technology.
The satellite technology component of the project is focused on creating small, low-cost, and efficient satellites. The team has already developed its first satellite, Advitiy, which is currently awaiting launch. This satellite is equipped with a payload to measure plasma in the ionosphere, contributing valuable data for scientific research.
The second part of the mission is developing a ground station that will facilitate communication with the satellite. The ground station, named ‘Vayu’, has been designed to track and command satellites and download data from them.
The third component of Daksha involves developing high-powered telescopes. The students have already designed and tested a prototype of a radio telescope that can map the Milky Way. They have also developed the ‘Drishti’ telescope, which is capable of observing celestial bodies like planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
Daksha’s ultimate goal is to arm India with the capability to explore deep space and make significant contributions to the global space research community. The mission is a testament to the potential of young minds in the country and their contribution to India’s growing space endeavours.
This project also aligns with the national agenda of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or ‘Self-reliant India’, which aims to promote the indigenous development of technology and reduce reliance on foreign imports. The mission’s success will be a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the field of space technology.
It is worth noting that the Daksha team is entirely student-led, demonstrating the potential of India’s young talent in contributing to scientific advancement and innovation. This project serves as an excellent example of empowering students to take the lead in cutting-edge technological developments.
Overall, the Daksha mission is an exciting venture that combines satellite technology, ground station development, and telescope technology. Its success could mark a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts and contribute to global space research.
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