Launching Our CanSat: A Journey from Concept to Reality

Yes, you heard it right! I have launched my own CanSat to a height of 1 km from ground level. This achievement marks the culmination of a journey filled with learning, perseverance, and teamwork. Along with my team, we designed and fabricated our CanSat, utilizing 3D printing and PCB manufacturing to develop it. This incredible feat was made possible by IN-SPACe’s CanSat Student Competition, organized by the Astronautical Society Of India (ASI). Exactly two months ago, on April 16th at 7:30 am, we launched our CanSat, a moment that will forever be etched in our memories.

Launch Site

Drone designated for Launching the Satellite

Our team, MGM CanSat, received acknowledgment from IN-SPACe’s Deputy Director, Brijesh Soni . We designed our CanSat to stabilize mid-air with the help of an innovative mechanical gyroscopic system. Our telemetry results accurately provided altitude and attitude data, reflecting the hard work and dedication we invested in this project.

The Beginning: From Knowing Nothing to Building a Dream

Our journey began in 2022 when we were first-year students with a dream of participating in the CanSat competition. With little knowledge about gyroscopes and satellite technology, we embarked on a challenging yet exciting journey of learning and innovation.

Team Brainstorming

Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) was our first significant milestone. It involved extensive research and brainstorming sessions to conceptualize our CanSat design. We studied various aspects of satellite technology, focusing on stabilization mechanisms and telemetry systems. Our goal was to create a design that could meet the competition’s rigorous requirements.

PDR Stage

Critical Design Review (CDR)

The Critical Design Review (CDR) phase was crucial for refining our design. We received feedback from experts and made necessary modifications to our initial concept. This phase was characterized by detailed planning and validation of our design choices. We delved deeper into the mechanics of gyroscopes, understanding their role in stabilizing our CanSat mid-air.

Mission Readiness Review (MRR)

The Mission Readiness Review (MRR) was a turning point where our design started taking a tangible form. We utilized 3D printing and PCB manufacturing to create the components of our CanSat. The process was filled with challenges, but each obstacle taught us valuable lessons in fabrication and assembly. Our team’s dedication and collaborative spirit shone through as we worked tirelessly to bring our design to life.

Flight Readiness Review (FRR)

The Flight Readiness Review (FRR) was the final step before our launch. We conducted rigorous testing to ensure that our CanSat was ready for its mission. The testing phase included multiple simulations and real-time trials to verify the functionality and reliability of our gyroscopic stabilization system and telemetry data accuracy.

The Grand Finale: Launch Day

Finally, on April 16th, at 7:30 am, we launched our CanSat. The two-day competition was organized for the first time in Ahmedabad by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) to foster future space innovators. We were felicitated by the Chairman of ISRO and President of the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), S. Somanath. He remarked that the CanSat competition is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific exploration.

Team Leader : Gaus Sayyad

Acknowledgments

This success was possible due to the coordination of our faculty, Dr. Suddhasheel GHOSH, PhD . I cannot express in words how much he has supported me and the team throughout the competition, fulfilling every possible requirement. I also want to thank Principal JNEC EC, Dr. H. H. Shinde, for believing in us. I still remember the day in my first year when I approached Prof. Tushar Mohije e with the proposal to participate in the CanSat India competition. Even though I was a first-year student, he supported and gave the green signal to participate.

Conclusion

Where I am today is because of the immense support I have received, and I have learned a lot from this competition. Lastly, I want to thank Prof. Tushar Mohije and Prof. Mohammad Azar Bargir for mentoring us throughout the competition timeline. I also want to thank MGM University sity for providing us with all the resources and funding for this competition, giving us a platform to participate and succeed.

Team MGMCanSat

Our journey from knowing nothing about gyroscopes to building and launching our CanSat has been a remarkable experience. This project has not only enriched our technical knowledge but also instilled in us the values of teamwork, perseverance, and innovation. We look forward to many more such endeavors in the future, contributing to the field of space exploration and innovation.

Prize Distribution Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUc1juXQ5n0&t=2108s

Team MGMCanSat : https://youtu.be/m6i6QA1O1VI?si=0E0bSTjN68_er9Yq