The successful launch of the satellite “Somaiya BeliefSat-0,” which was put together over six years by the satellite team at K J Somaiya Institute of Technology (KJSIT), Mumbai, was celebrated with a joyous felicitation event on January 5, 2024, at 4:00 PM. This proud moment was accomplished on January 1, 2024, by ISRO’s PSLV-C58 mission at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking a critical milestone in India’s space exploration journey.
The enormous efforts of the “New Leap Labs” team, faculty mentors, professional collaborators, and student innovators were recognised during the grand ceremony. Prominent dignitaries attended the event, including Dr Umesh Shinde, the faculty mentor for Somaiya BeliefSat-0, Dr. Vivek Sunnapwar, the principal of KJSIT, Dr Suresh Ukarande, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Dr. Raghunath Shevgaonkar, the Provost of Somaiya Vidyavihar, and Hon. Shri Samir Somaiya, the chairman of Somaiya Vidyavihar. Officials from the media, stakeholders, staff, teachers, and alumni came together to celebrate the accomplishment.
A Journey of Innovation: Somaiya Belief Sat-0
Developed by the “New Leap Labs Team” at KJSIT, the “Somaiya BeliefSat-0” is a payload on ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform. The satellite, which is 350 kilometres above the ground, allows amateur radio operators (HAM) to communicate with each other worldwide. This accomplishment honours ISRO’s HAMSAT, which was deactivated in 2014, and the 100th anniversary of amateur radio in India.
The project’s inception dates back to 2017 when the student team from KJSIT became victorious in ISRO’s “Touch the Jovian Moon” competition. With the constant backing of mentors like Dr. Umesh Shinde and their vision, the team set out on this ambitious satellite mission. Their path, from overcoming obstacles to attaining ground-breaking outcomes, is a wonderful example of creativity, tenacity, and teamwork.
Highlights of the Event
The ceremony began with awe-inspiring video peeks inside the creation of Somaiya BeliefSat-0, followed by the SVV Campus Prayer and Maharashtra’s Rajya Geet. Prominent speakers offered their thoughts on the accomplishment:
- Dr Umesh Shinde thanked everyone who helped, highlighting the team’s perseverance and tenacity in overcoming obstacles. He lauded the contributions of industry partners and knowledgeable mentors, such as Mr Umesh Gatge, Mr Vishram Bapat, Mr Manoj, Mr and Mrs Anat Waikule, and Dr. C.S. Kulkarni.
- Chief Student-Mentor Rohit Bokade, an alumnus, recalled the team’s determination to complete the objective on a limited budget, demonstrating their dedication to success.
- The Principal of KJSIT, Dr Vivek Sunnapwar, praised the team’s vision and cited Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of turning lofty ideas into reality through unwavering belief and effort.
- Dr. Suresh Ukarande, Dean and former Principal of KJSIT, praised the student team and faculty mentors for monumental efforts, highlighting KJSIT’s leadership in space mission initiatives.
- Dr Raghunath Shevgaonkar, Provost of Somaiya Vidyavihar, praised the satellite’s achievement as a testament to the limitless potential of space exploration, motivating researchers and future generations.
- The Chairman of Somaiya Vidyavihar, Hon. Shri Samir Somaiya, proudly highlighted KJSIT’s innovative space program. He shared personal anecdotes, including his formative fascination with space, and emphasized the importance of progressive techniques for transforming Somaiya Vidyavihar into a world-class institution. His speech, peppered with Urdu Shayari, captivated those present and underscored his visionary leadership.
Vision for the Future
The ceremony commemorated not only the achievement of Somaiya BeliefSat-0, but also the institute’s dedication to fostering creativity and excellence. The ceremony ended on a patriotic tone with the national song, leaving spectators enthused by the team’s accomplishments and the prospect of future discoveries in space research.
KJSIT’s New Leap Initiative exemplifies how passion, innovation, and education can combine to achieve incredible feats, motivating future generations to dream big and aim for the stars.
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