GUNTUR: In a remarkable continuation of her groundbreaking achievements, Sai Divya Kurapati, the visionary behind the success of India’s privately developed rocket launch, Vikram-S, is now poised to unveil her latest innovation. On October 4, 2023, from the picturesque backdrop of Spain, she will be orchestrating the launch of CubeSat BWSAT, marking another significant milestone in her journey.
Hailing from Tenali in Guntur district, Sai Divya is more than just a trailblazer; she is a research scholar in Satellite Communications with a profound passion for democratizing space technology. Her academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Bapatla Engineering College, followed by an MTech specialization in Communication and Radar Systems. Armed with this knowledge, she ventured into uncharted territory, founding her own space tech enterprise, ‘N Space Tech,’ dedicated to making satellites affordable and accessible to the masses.
The maiden flight of her vision, LakshyaSAT I, soared into the stratosphere from the United Kingdom in March 2022, underscoring her commitment to pioneering space exploration. Now, her latest brainchild, BWSAT, securely nestled within a cutting-edge space box platform, is poised to ascend to the stratosphere, riding high on a high-altitude balloon. Its mission: to meticulously gather invaluable atmospheric data, furthering our understanding of our planet and bringing us closer to the stars.
Sai Divya Kurapati’s indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation continue to shape the landscape of space technology, promising a future where the cosmos is within reach for all.
Harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, Sai Divya Kurapati’s CubeSat BWSAT is equipped with a formidable arsenal of instruments to unveil the secrets of the stratosphere. A remarkable ensemble of six sensors, meticulously calibrated, stands ready to measure the intricacies of the atmosphere. Temperature, pressure, humidity, altitude, CO2 levels, and magnetic strength will all be scrutinized with precision, providing a holistic view of the stratospheric environment.
But the data collection doesn’t stop there. BWSAT’s payload also includes two state-of-the-art camera systems, poised to capture both stunning images and breathtaking videos of the stratosphere’s enigmatic beauty. Coupled with a high-precision GPS payload, these tools will not only enhance our understanding of our planet’s upper realms but also offer a visual spectacle of this celestial journey.
With each sensor, camera, and GPS unit meticulously integrated into the CubeSat’s design, BWSAT is not just a vessel of exploration; it is a testament to human ingenuity and Sai Divya Kurapati’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of space technology. As it embarks on its mission, BWSAT promises to deliver a wealth of data and breathtaking imagery, ushering in a new era of stratospheric exploration.
When asked about the rationale behind the inclusion of these additional payloads, Sai Divya shared her insightful perspective, stating, “While we can obtain images and videos from the camera attached to the balloon, I was keen to assess the file sizes when capturing views from the satellite. These payloads serve as a crucial preparatory step for our upcoming lower Earth orbital mission in Vikram 1. By gauging the file sizes, we can evaluate the efficiency of our communication system parameters and gain a comprehensive understanding of the data transmission process. Furthermore, the GPS payload allows us to precisely pinpoint changes in temperature, pressure, and other parameters at specific coordinates. This data collected by BWSAT will not only serve as a point of comparison with existing datasets but also validate and enhance the accuracy of our satellite components.”
With an estimated altitude of 25 km, the exact height of BWSAT will be confirmed post-launch, contingent on atmospheric conditions. The launch is scheduled for either October 4 or 6 from the B2Space company launch station in Spain. Given the complexities of wind velocity and other environmental factors, it is anticipated that BWSAT’s flight duration will be relatively short, lasting approximately one hour, ensuring its safety and successful mission completion.
Expressing her deep connection to BWSAT, Sai Divya remarked, “This project holds a special place in my heart, as it aligns perfectly with my longstanding desire to engage with young minds and inspire the next generation through these nanosatellites. It’s a dream come true.”
At the project’s inception in June of this year, Haribabu Kalidasu, a native of Tenali and the administrative head of the Brainworks International School in Myanmar, reached out to Sai Divya. He requested her involvement in conducting interactive sessions with students. Over the course of this collaboration, more than 15 engaging sessions were conducted with the students, allowing them to actively participate in every phase of building the prototype. This hands-on experience encompassed all aspects, from subsystems and payload to computing, power systems, and data logging, fostering a truly inspiring educational journey.
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