All Eyes In The Sky For Kalam Satellite Mission
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023 has opened many a door to the selected students.
MUMBAI / CHENNAI, Feb 15 (The CONNECT) – Martin Foundation is all geared up for the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023 on Sunday Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.
Through this initiative, in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India, more than 5000 students from Grade VI to XII from different parts of India have been enabled to design and develop 150 PICO satellites, weighing below one kg, which are to be launched through the sounding rocket. This mission has also provided an opportunity for selected students to learn more about STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
A total of 85% of the funding for this project is done by Martin Foundation. The selected students have been taught about satellite technology through virtual classes, which has been followed by hands-on sessions to help them explore the project domain. They have also been made aware of the numerous benefits available in this sector.
M George Marshall, Chief Operating Officer, Martin Group of Companies, said, “A total of 2000 students from more than 100 government schools alone are a part of this milestone project and it gives us a great sense of satisfaction. Enabling government school students to get trained in space sciences and providing them a platform to explore a career in that domain has been a gratifying experience.”
Another 3,000 students form private schools were also associated with the project.
The Martin Group of Companies, led by Santiago Martin, is one of India’s largest business conglomerates holding the majority market share of the country’s Lottery Industry. The group has also diversified into: Construction, Property Development, Hospitality, Textile and Fabric Mills, Educational Institutions, Sustainable Energy, Retail Malls, Steel Industry, and Media & Entertainment.
Left to Right – Dr. Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO, Space Zone Private Limited_M. George Marshall(Chief Operating Officer- Martin Group of Companies)_ APJMJ. Sheik Saleem(Grand Nephew of Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam & Co – Founder AKIF – House of Kalam, Rameswaram)_ APJMJ. Sheik Dawood(Grand Nephew of Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam & Co – Founder AKIF – House of Kalam, Rameswaram)
V Ranganathan, Satish Dhawan Scientist, who has held coveted positions in various space organisations of repute, registered his heartfelt appreciation to Martin Foundation, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India for curating an exclusive and timely initiative. “Awareness about the various opportunities available is the need of the hour. Most of the time, students don’t look beyond the tried and tested professions. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023 has opened many a door to the selected students. Apart from the immense knowledge gained through this initiative, the students get once-in-a-lifetime experience. This project should become an annual affair with more players contributing to making this event bigger and more beneficial. Such events will make India’s Space Programme robust and all inclusive and position India as the leader in space programme in the near future,” he said.
Space Zone India is a space company located in Chennai with the goal of providing low-cost, long-term solutions in the space industry. The organization is supported by a team of professionals in Satellite Technology, Rocket Technology, Drone Technology, and other fields. Space Zone India also undertakes educational and research-based programmes to bridge the innovation gap between NASA, the United States, and Indian educational institutions.
Dr Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO, Space Zone Private Limited, said that he was elated at being able to contribute towards a robust space industry. “Our team of professionals in Satellite technology, rocket technology, drone technology and other related fields have made this possible,” he said.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation (AKIF) was launched on 11th October 2015 in his loving memory by House of Kalam. The foundation works to fulfill the dreams and progress the ideas of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Any developing country would dream to work towards the goal of attaining the “Developed Country” title. Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam dream of a mission that visualized our country to be in the league of developed nations. The 2nd year Remembrance Day was marked by the grand inauguration of Dr. Abdul Kalam memorial by the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Peikarumbu at Rameswaram.
APJMJ Sheik Dawood and APJMP Sheik Saleem, grandnephews of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and co-founders AKIF- House of Kalam, Rameshwaram expressed their happiness about the successful implementation of the programme.
