Defence Minister of India - Shri Rajnath Singh to inaugurate the Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology at Chandigarh University, Gharuan.

The Hon'ble Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh, will inaugurate the Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology (KCCRSST) at Chandigarh University, Gharuan, on Monday, the 3rd of January, 2022.

KCCRSST is established with the objective of training students in space science and satellite development, this state of the art space centre would be the earth station for the Chandigarh University's Student Satellite (CUSAT), an in-house developed nano-satellite being designed by the students of Chandigarh University, besides other important projects.

S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said, "The university has taken a giant leap by launching its ground control station named Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science and Technology, dedicated to the first woman astronaut of Indian origin to go into space. I am proud to inform you that Honourable Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji will inaugurate this space centre on Monday, the 3rd of January, 2022."

He also added, "This centre will help develop satellite research facilities and launch satellites in countries that have not yet developed satellite technology. It will help in the design, development, and research of satellites and play a vital role in preparing space scientists and emerging professionals of the future," S. Sandhu added.

It may be mentioned here that with the launch of Chandigarh University's Student Satellite (CUSAT), Punjab will become the first border state in India to have its satellite in space. The launch of the university's nanosatellite-CUSAT will be of great importance. It will collect data related to border intrusion detection, agriculture, weather forecasting, natural disaster forecasting, which will be helpful in the research and study of various problems in these areas.

The CUSAT will be among the 75 student-built satellites being launched into space on the eve of the 75th Independence Day 2022. Chandigarh University has joined the list of 13 institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay and became the first university in North India to design and develop its satellite.