IIT Kanpur to launch micro satellite in 2010

Bangalore, Jul 24 (UNI) Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur proposes to launch a micro satellite to mark its Golden Jubilee in 2010, Institute Director S G Dhande said today.

Talking to newspersons after inaugurating an International Conference on Smart Materials, Structures and Systems, here, he said the institute has prepared the design for a micro satellite with seven kg load and sent the proposal to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) seeking licence for its design, build and launch.

''We have sent a proposal to ISRO and there is a meeting in the evening to discuss about the project.

''We want to launch the micro satellite to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Institute due in another 18 months,'' he added.

To a question, he said the satellite would be mainly used for disaster management.

Stating the footprint of the satellite may not be very big, Mr Dhande said ''if we put many applications, the weight has to increase. We want to go in for limited application.

The main purpose was the students must know how to build a system.

A ISRO Technology Cell had been set up in IIT-Kanpur.

To a question, he said the project may cost about Rs five crore to Rs seven crore.

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