Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (SNIST) is teaming up with Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space to set up a dedicated space technology center focused on designing and launching its first Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. This initiative follows SNIST’s successful launch of the SREESAT-1 balloon Cubesat in 2019 from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Center in Hyderabad. The new Cubesat, SREESAT (0.5 U), is targeted for launch by the end of 2022.
The newly established Space Tech Center at SNIST will concentrate on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the space sector. Its goal is to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurial skills among students, preparing them to tackle challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
The Center will emphasize the importance of space science education and the development of customized payloads. Students will have the chance to work on projects utilizing hyperspectral imaging techniques, with applications in areas such as agriculture, disaster prediction, water resource monitoring, deforestation, and container tracking.
Dhruva Space
Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad and Austria-based startup, is making strides in full-stack space engineering solutions through its LEAP (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads) initiative. A National Award-winning space tech firm, Dhruva Space specializes in application-agnostic satellite platforms. Their services include satellite technology, Earth stations, and launch services, offering integrated or standalone solutions for space-based applications. Founded in 2012 by CEO Sanjay Nekkanti, Dhruva Space aims to lead in the small satellite engineering sector, providing comprehensive space infrastructure solutions.