This project was submitted to International Space Challenge 2022 (previously Singapore Space Challenge) and we won the grand prize of $10,000.  

The VASE mission is a 500 kg satellite designed to investigate the Van Allen Belts, studying the inner border of the outer belt and testing Active Radiation Shielding Technology for radiation protection. It also assesses a novel propulsion technology, which improves scientific knowledge while allowing for additional cargo in a single trip. The spacecraft conducts research using the Solar Orbiter Mission's Energetic Particle Detector Instrument Suite and the Cassini-Huygens Mission's Mini Magnetospheric Imaging. Active radiation shielding is critical for reducing spacecraft weight and enabling newer technology without radiation hardening, hence expanding mission options. The project includes a comprehensive subsystem design, selection of commercially accessible parts, and a cost analysis. 

Roles

• Team leader

• Mission conceptualization of active radiation shielding

• Propulsion

• Thermal control

• Electrical power budget

• Structure design (minor role)

• Orbit design (minor role)

This project was submitted to the KIIT University B.Tech final year best project competition and our project won the best project award in the grand finale. 

KIITSAT mission, initiated by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, aimed to design and launch the first student satellite in East India. This initiative was in line with the institute's vision of serving society through innovation and long-term satellite utility. The satellite's goals included observing crops, water bodies, and riverbanks, monitoring crop health, studying water bodies, and addressing issues like river run-offs and floods. The project showcased an indigenously developed Micro-Pulsed Plasma thruster, promoting expertise in satellite design, development, testing, and maintenance. This mission encouraged system engineering and teamwork, utilizing Hyperspectral and Spectrometer cameras for Earth imaging. The KIITSAT project faced funding challenges, exacerbated by COVID-related disruptions, while also navigating changes in student satellite grants, highlighting the resource-intensive nature of these missions. Despite these challenges, the project received recognition from esteemed organizations such as I.S.R.O. and DRDO. 

Roles

• Team leader

• Mission conceptualization with Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster

• Propulsion

• Thermal control

• Structural design (minor role)

• Orbit design (minor role)