Students launch 100 'satellites' in space at event jointly organised by Kalam Foundation, Martin Group

Rameswaram, Feb 7th, 2021: APJ Abdul Kalam international foundation by House of Kalam Rameswaram along with Space Zone India and The Martin Group, conducted World Record Event of "Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam space research payload cubes challenge 2021".

For channelizing the students' interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and to inculcate knowledge towards the same, students studying in school from 6th to 12th standard and engineering colleges across the nation, would design and launch 100 Femto satellites through a single high altitude scientific balloon for the first time in the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message applauding student and the organisers for achieving this world record.

The launch happened on the 7th of February 2021 at 10:30AM at Rameswaram. All the Permissions and clearance have been taken from Govt authorities formally. Series of online lectures and a one- day hands on experience session held in different places across the nation for the students.

Another highlight of the event was the participation of more than 800 Govt. school students across the nation sponsored by The Martin Group. Martin Group is an Indian conglomerate headed by lottery businessman Santiago Martin.

On the day of launch, 7th February, an elaborate event marked by eminent dignitaries addressed the gathering. Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Honorable Governor of Telangana and Hon'ble Chief Minister of Pondicherry. Narayanasamy was the Chief Guest and Padma Bhushan, Dr.A.Sivathanu Pillai Former Chief Controller, R & D, DRDO, Founder CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Rtn.AKS.Dr.Leema Rose Martin, Managing Trustee Martin Charitable trust. Shri P. Kunhikrishnan Director U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) Centre, in Bengaluru, India, Padma Shri Prof. R.M. Vasagam Former Project Director "Apple India's First GEO - Stationary Communication Satellite, Former VC Anna University & Dr.MGR University , Dr.Anand Megalingam, MS Founder and CEO, SpaceZone India , Thiru APJMJ Sheik Dawood Grand Nephew of DR APJ Abdul Kalam, Thiru APJMJ Sheik Saleem Grand Nephew of DR APJ Abdul Kalam . Dr. Satheesh Reddy Secretary Department of Defence R & D, Chairman, DRDO , Padma Shri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai Former Director, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Padma Shri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai Former Director, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) ,. Shri Rajarajan Director Sathish Dhawan Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

The event will be recorded in the Guinness books of world records. Indeed, it will be a proud moment for our country. It will be extra special as the participants mainly are our beloved students, whom our former President had held close to his heart and loved them and dreamt about their success, more than anybody else. The record creating event will go down in the history of the scientific community as a memorable one. In this regard we would like to request your valuable support and encouragement for our young budding scientists.