Odisha’s First Indigenous Satellite CGUSAT-1 Set For Historic Launch From Sriharikota
University-built CGUSAT-1 to aid disaster communication from Jan. 12
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is poised to enter India’s expanding space ecosystem with the launch of its first indigenously developed satellite, CGUSAT-1, scheduled for lift-off on January 12 aboard the PSLV-C62 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Built by a 31-member team comprising 11 faculty members and 20 students of C. V. Raman Global University (CVRGU), Bhubaneswar, the compact satellite represents a significant academic–scientific achievement, placing Odisha on the national map of grassroots satellite innovation.
Designed primarily as an emergency communication satellite, CGUSAT-1 will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and function as a reliable backup communication platform during natural disasters, cyclones and other emergencies when terrestrial networks are disrupted.
Once deployed, the satellite will orbit the Earth multiple times a day, with its strongest signal footprint over Bhubaneswar. This will allow the transmission of critical data, distress messages and coordination signals to ground stations even in the event of large-scale communication failures.
“CGUSAT-1 is intended mainly for disaster management and relief operations. Through relay-based communication, it can link multiple ground stations, enabling coordination among government agencies across India and beyond,” said Soumya Mishra, Ground Station Custodian for the mission.
University teams are currently engaged in final pre-launch preparations, including satellite tracking protocols and first-contact operations once the satellite separates from the launch vehicle.
“Our immediate task after deployment will be to receive the first beacon signal from CGUSAT-1 and transmit the initial command response. These early operations are critical to confirming the satellite’s health and functionality,” said Devadatta Sahu, a communication engineering student associated with the project.
The satellite’s development journey began after CVRGU faculty and students gained exposure to small-satellite technologies at institutions in Israel. Following specialised training programmes in Hyderabad, the team completed the design, assembly and testing of CGUSAT-1 within a year — a notable timeline for a university-led space mission.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Ahmedabad, enabling the satellite’s launch aboard ISRO’s PSLV mission. All operations will be conducted under ISRO’s regulatory framework.
“Every operational step will be carried out with ISRO’s approval. Even if conventional communication systems collapse during disaster response, CGUSAT-1 will continue to function. This mission is a matter of pride not only for our university but for Odisha as a whole,” said CVRGU Vice-Chancellor Bansidhar Majhi.
