Article Posted on : - Apr 06, 2011

An artistic representation of Jugnu satellite.

KANPUR (PTI): IIT-Kanpur's indigenously built nano satellite 'Jugnu' may be successfully launched by the end of June this year from Sriharikota if everything goes according to plans.

Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had visited the institute last month and had given a green signal to the engineering model. The flight model is being assembled in Bengaluru.

IIT-K director Sanjay Govind Dhande said on Tuesday that over 60 students and faculty members of the institute worked hard to built 'Jugnu', which weighs 3 kg.

Even though Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for developing the satellite, the cost was brought down to less than Rs 1 crore as the institute came up with indigenous technique.

The high-resolution camera which is installed in the satellite is also designed by IIT-K, Dhande asserted.

The satellite, measuring one-foot long and 10 cm wide, will be launched with the help of PSLV from Sriharikota. The control room of the satellite will be stationed at mechanical engineering department in IIT-Kanpur.

On being asked about the delay in assembling, Dhande said it took some time for the faculty members and students as it was an indigenously built satellite.