Mohan Babu University Launches High-Altitude Balloon Satellite In Collaboration With NARL

The project will help in collecting vital atmospheric data for weather forecasting & disaster management

By Debasis Mohapatra On Jul 28, 2024

Bengaluru: Mohan Babu University (MBU) has partnered with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) to launch a High-Altitude Balloon Satellite, making it one of the university’s breakthrough projects.

The project, which started in November 2023, is likely to position MBU at the forefront of space technology and atmospheric research, the university said in a press release.

The MBUSAT-1 initiative aims to offer MBU students and faculty hands-on experience in space technology and atmospheric science. The project also aspires to inspire young minds through community outreach programmes, fostering a passion for science and space exploration among the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Students will engage in all aspects of the MBUSAT-1 mission, gaining valuable practical experience that will prepare them for careers in the growing space industry, the release said.

Through this project, vital atmospheric data will be collected to enhance weather forecasting and disaster management, with the potential to save lives. MBU has selected 25 students from various engineering disciplines to lead this ambitious effort, forming specialized teams under faculty guidance.

MBU also mentioned that this project has been launched at an affordable cost of Rs 1.5 lakh, which sets a new standard for other universities and highlights MBU’s leadership in space research, the university said.

Commenting on the launch, Pro-Chancellor of MBU, Vishnu Manchu said, “We are immensely proud to launch a High-Altitude Balloon Satellite. The launch of MBUSAT-1 underscores MBU’s dedication to advancing space research and educational excellence. This milestone highlights MBU’s role in shaping the future of space innovation.”

The collaboration of MBU with NARL, which is a leading research institution providing technical skills and experience in satellite design, testing, and launch operations; is likely to boost innovation and knowledge sharing, paving the way for the success of the MBUSAT-1 mission, the university said.