Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar (SiliconTech) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kristellar Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. to conduct joint research in the domains of cyber security and aerospace on 10 April 2023.
Kristellar Aerospace was founded in 2021 with a vision to reduce the entry barriers to space. As a space service provider for small and medium-sized satellites, it invents easy access to space for global clients. With the advent of microsatellites, the organization is creating an era in which space data can be used by all industries. Its mission is to deliver innovative solutions for space and deep-space systems to keep people safe by advancing scientific discovery.
The objective of this collaboration is to conduct joint research on cyber security and aerospace, establish laboratories to encourage research in these fields, involve faculty and research scholars in funded research programs, and offer students opportunities to participate in Practice School (PS) and Summer Internships.
This industry-academia collaboration will also launch its first nanosatellite or CubeSat by December 2023 which will help the state government to track the cyclone phenomenon, study the mangrove ecosystem, monitor vessel movement, and ensure marine security. The team is planning to use ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system in satellites to track the movement of non-scheduled and non-Indian ships to ramp up coastal security.
The satellite will likely be of 6 U size ( U =10 cm X 10 cm X 10 cm) and will weigh less than 10 kg. The satellite will draw its power from solar radiation. It will be equipped with a high-end camera, AI sensors and communication equipment. Post its launch, the satellite is expected to operate in space for a period of ten to fifteen years. Four students and two faculty members from SiliconTech are a part of the team which will develop the satellite.
Furthermore, the collaboration also aims to set up an Aerospace Lab by the name ‘ORION’ in the SiliconTech campus for conducting advanced space investigation in the areas of biological sciences, a study of Near Earth Objects, climate change, ice coverage, orbital debris, planetary science, space-based astronomy and heliophysics. The envisaged Aerospace Lab will also focus on technological areas like solar sails, additive manufacturing, femto-satellites, distributed sensor systems, satellite-to-satellite communication, and autonomous movement.
The authorized signatory on behalf of SiliconTech was our Principal, Dr. Jaideep Talukdar and the authorized signatory for Kristellar Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. was their Co-Founder and CEO, Shri. Uday Bhanu Das.
