Women in Space Technology

The Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT), developed by an all-female team from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women (LBSITW) in Thiruvananthapuram, is poised for launch as a payload in the upcoming 60th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The WESAT project, initiated in 2020, focuses on measuring UV rays in space and on Earth’s surface to understand their influence on temperatures and climate change in Kerala. The satellite aims to provide UV alerts to the public, promoting awareness and precautionary measures against harmful radiation.

The lack of existing sources for truthful UV intensity measurement prompted the team to select this field of study. The UV Index, indicating the potential harm to the skin from ultraviolet radiation, is a crucial aspect monitored by the project. The team has established a website for live monitoring of UV intensity in Thiruvananthapuram, with additional data expected after the satellite’s launch.

Despite facing challenges such as lack of funding, the team successfully navigated the complex process of satellite payload development and ground monitoring station setup.

Excitement and pride abound among the students, faculty, and alumni involved in the project. The WESAT team’s dedication, even amidst the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects their commitment to space science and exploration. The project not only realizes the dream of the senior students who initiated it but also provides valuable learning experiences for the current and future participants, fostering interaction with scientists at VSSC and enhancing knowledge and communication skills.

_{Repurposed article originally published in The News minute}