Sambalpur: Considered amongst the biggest earthen reservoir of the world, Hirakud dam’s water retaining capacity is reducing by the day due to heavy siltation.
In order to make a proper survey of the siltation, the Idea and Innovation cell of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) has developed VSSUT Satellite Launch Vehicle (VSLV), a satellite using indigenous technology.
The satellite named VSLV 2.0, prepared by a team of 35, was first test launched last year and again in the first week of January this year.
According to reports, the project has been divided into 10 missions and the VSSUT authorities aim to take aerial photographs of the dam and collect information about weather.
During the first successful launch, the satellite was sent up to a height of 3,000 ft while the range was increased to 5,200 ft during the second attempt. The test was conducted at an open space near Hirakud along Mahanadi. Information about the temperature and humidity of the region could be collected at the second attempt. A parachute was fitted to the satellite for its safe landing after collection of information from a preset height.
Many students of the varsity worked relentlessly to make the project successful.
The students who played key roles in the mission included B Tech 2nd year students Aditya Sahoo, Anshuman Patnayak, Lakhya Agrwal, Prashant Sahoo, Sanjib Dash, Rohit Tekriwal and Markendeya Mohapatra.
Apart from the VC of the university, professor BB Pati, professor Debadutta Mishra, Dr PK Kar, professor B Bhoi, Dr Gyanaranjan Biswal, Purnapriya Mishra VSSUT alumni association vice-president Ashesh Padhi guided the students in the mission.
It may be recalled that the Idea and Innovation Cell of VSSUT became champion in last year’s first inter-college rocket competition of Asia and the team was felicitated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in August 2017.
The remaining missions would be accomplished in a phased manner in coming days, the VSSUT team Friday said in a press release. PNN