Hyderabad students build mini satellites to track pollution
HYDERABAD: Two student teams from Anurag University have developed miniature satellites, each the size of a soda can, to track air and water pollution. Their innovations were tested at international platforms and received global recognition.
The first team, led by S Sai Shiva Rama Krishna, built CanSat, a 150-gram satellite fitted with sensors for carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, ozone, temperature and humidity. The satellite had an onboard microcomputer to process data and transmit it in real time.
The team presented its work at the World CanSat competition in Portugal, and their findings were later published in Nature India. “The design proved how a compact and low-cost platform can track air pollution at highly localised scales,” Rama Krishna said.
The second group, competing under the name Team Jigyasa, built a more advanced satellite capable of monitoring water quality after landing. The design included a flap-like mechanism to float on water while continuing to transmit data.
The four-member team Y Bala Praneeth Sagar, G Maniram, TR Divyakanth and Rujul Rumale showcased their innovation at the World CanSat and Rocketry Championship.