Dr Srimathy Kesan, the mind behind Space Kidz India, found herself battling COVID-19 and while facing the effects of the virus and undergoing NIV procedures, she envisioned a unique satellite mission. It wasn’t just any mission but one designed to brighten the dreams of government school girls across India—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—by guiding them through the realms of knowledge and space.
Birth of AzaadiSAT
The Journey of AzaadiSAT as explained by Dr Srimathy Kesan“Space Kidz India, driven by a relentless passion for building Spacecrafts and parallelly imparting Space education believed in the power of dreams, handpicked 750 girls from 75 different rural schools across “K nd K”,” she shares.Sharing more about the journey Dr Kesan says: “These young minds, from economically weak backgrounds, were destined to be the architects of their dreams, reaching for the stars in the truest sense. The mission was not just about launching satellites; it was a profound gesture of empowerment. From the 75 identified schools, these aspiring scientists underwent a transformative online training program. The curriculum spanned the vast expanse of space sciences, introducing them to the intricacies of satellite technology.”
Guided by the expert coaching of Space Kidz India’s team, Rifath Sharook, Yagna Sai, Keerthan, Clinton, Iliyas, Dhruv, Gobinath, Dr Srimathy Kesan and with the support of their science teachers the students embarked on a journey of discovery.According to Dr Kesan, in the virtual realm, they immersed themselves in workshops, assembling basic and simple experiments designed to ignite the spark of curiosity. “The crescendo of this symphony reached its peak as 75 schools presented their student payloads—tiny fragments of dreams and aspirations, carefully crafted and tested with diligence. The payloads, like stars in a constellation, were integrated into the main satellite systems, forming a celestial tapestry of hope,” she adds.
“As the launch date drew near, anticipation and excitement filled the hearts of the young scientists. All of the students had travelled from across the country to see the spectacular launch.”
On August 7, 2022, painted the sky with anticipation and hope as AzaadiSAT, adorned with the dreams of 750 girls, was poised to breach the heavens. The air buzzed with excitement, hearts beating with the countdown echoing through the control room at ISRO.
“However, fate, with its enigmatic ways, had other plans. As the SSLV D1 third stage faltered, a collective gasp reverberated through the space agency. The dreams woven into AzaadiSAT were momentarily suspended in the void, like stars waiting for their cue to shine. The satellite, unable to find its destined orbit, descended back to Earth, engulfed in flames. The disappointment echoed in the corridors of ISRO, but the spirit of resilience held steadfast,” she explains.Dr Srimathy Kesan and her team were unwilling to let the dreams of those 750 girls be extinguished like the fiery re-entry of AzaadiSAT.
In her words, “From the ashes of setback emerged an opportunity—a second chance to defy gravity and touch the cosmos. Undeterred by the setback, the selected students, whose aspirations had briefly dimmed, now found themselves standing at the threshold of a second chance. The resilience of these young minds, like cosmic dust, coalesced to form a new constellation of hope. The lessons learned from the initial attempt became the guiding stars that illuminated their path. In the wake of the failed launch, the students, rather than succumbing to disappointment, embraced the challenge with a newfound vigour. It was funding that choked the project. With a brave face pitched the idea and requested support from Hexaware Technologies who were thrilled beyond words to stand by the team and the 750 girls. There was a small contribution by Lumina Technologies too. Chairman ISRO Dr Somanath and InSpace Chairman Pawan Goenka spoke on behalf of the 750 girls and team SKI to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave a launch cost waiver.”According to her, the team sprung back into action, “every eye sparkled with determination, and the hearts, once weighed down by the gravity of setbacks, now soared with renewed enthusiasm. Empowered by the belief that failure is not the end but a cosmic detour towards success, the students embarked on the journey to build AzaadiSAT 2. This time, their spirits were fortified by the collective will to overcome obstacles, and they approached the task with a resilience that mirrored the very stars they aimed to reach.”
The control room, once shrouded in the silence of unmet expectations, became a symphony of hope as AzaadiSAT 2 soared into the sky on February 10, 2023, carried by the SSLV-D2. “The cheers of triumph drowned out the echoes of the past, as the satellite found its place in orbit. The emotional crescendo reached its peak as the second launch unfolded. The students, now seasoned by the trials of setbacks, beamed with a radiance that transcended the earthly realm. This second chance had not only ignited their passion but also transformed them into beacons of self-confidence. The launch of AzaadiSAT 2 was not just an achievement; it was a testament to the indomitable human spirit,” she explains.
Dr Srimathy Kesan – the woman behind this dream
Once labelled by stereotypes, these rural girls, once hidden in the shadows, now shine as the architects of AzaadiSAT, defying preconceived notions with the brilliance of their dreams and the resilience of their spirits. The young scientists, having faced the vastness of space and the abyss of disappointment, emerged not only as conquerors of the skies but as victors over self-doubt. This mission was not just a technological marvel; it was a testament to the unwavering spirit of Dr Kesan, who, from the confines of a hospital bed, birthed a vision that would resonate across the cosmos. The AzaadiSAT mission was a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and celebrating the essence of freedom—freedom to dream, to explore, and to reach for the stars. And so, against the backdrop of a star-studded night, AzaadiSAT-2 soared into the firmament, carrying with it the dreams and aspirations of 750 girls, a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the indomitable human spirit.