In a landmark achievement for India's academic space sector, Bengaluru's Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is poised to launch its first student-built satellite. The DSAT-1 mission is scheduled for lift-off aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV-C62 rocket on Monday. This pioneering project is a fully student-led initiative, with end-to-end mission enablement provided by the space technology company Dhruva Space under its Polaris Access-1 (PA-1) programme.
Mission Capabilities and Technical Backbone
The university announced on Sunday that DSAT-1 is equipped with a store-and-forward message relay capability, operating over amateur radio frequency bands. This functionality was developed in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Centre–Dayananda Sagar University (AIC-DSU), an entity established through a partnership with Niti Aayog and a Rs 10-crore grant.
During the satellite's passes over Bengaluru, short text messages will be uplinked from a dedicated on-campus ground station. This station was established and commissioned by Dhruva Space. The messages will be securely stored on the satellite's onboard systems and then relayed back to Earth during subsequent passes. This process demonstrates resilient, low-bandwidth communications under genuine orbital conditions, providing invaluable real-world data.
The satellite is constructed on Dhruva Space's proven 0.5U P-DoT platform, a technology that was successfully space-qualified during the company's Thybolt mission in 2022. Once in space, DSAT-1 will be deployed using Dhruva Space's flight-proven DSOD-1U separation system. The entire preparation for launch adhered to strict industry-grade protocols, including comprehensive subsystem verification, interface testing, integration rehearsals, and mission readiness reviews.
A Testament to Education and State Policy
University Chancellor Dr. Hemachandra Sagar expressed immense pride in the students and faculty whose dedication transformed DSAT-1 from a concept to the launchpad. He stated that the mission is a prime example of hands-on learning and innovation in action. Sagar also extended gratitude to ISRO for providing the launch platform and to Dhruva Space for its partnership.
He emphasized that DSAT-1 stands as a direct testament to Karnataka's forward-looking space policy for 2024-29. The mission illustrates how state-level initiatives can effectively foster local expertise, build institutional capability, and catalyze satellite missions that meet global standards.
Building India's Future Space Ecosystem
D Premachandra Sagar, Pro-Chancellor of DSU, highlighted the broader significance of the project. He described DSAT-1 as more than just a student satellite; it is a foundational brick in India's emerging NewSpace ecosystem. Missions of this nature are critical for building hands-on expertise, strengthening institutional capacity, and contributing to the nation's long-term goal of developing a robust and self-reliant space infrastructure that underpins national development.
Following the successful launch, DSU students will take full control of mission operations from the university's own ground station. The data generated throughout the satellite's lifespan will actively support DSU's ongoing research and educational programs in satellite communications, mission operations, and applied space engineering. This end-to-end involvement is designed to build sustained, in-house space technology capability at the academic institution, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry.
