In a major initiative to boost space education in Sri Lanka, Northern Uni has partnered with Space Kidz India to launch the first student-led satellite project for government school students in the Jaffna region. Announced in line with World Space Week, this groundbreaking collaboration is set to propel students into the world of space technology, allowing them to take an active role in designing, developing, and launching a satellite.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this ambitious project was signed in the presence of Dr Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director of InSpace Ahmedabad, Indy Pathmanathan, Chairman of SLIIT Northern Uni, Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder & CEO of Space Kidz India, and other dignitaries. The project will see active participation from students in Sri Lanka and India, working together on building a satellite equipped with advanced instruments to study the space atmosphere and test communication technologies.
Empowering Future Innovators
The collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on students, equipping them with practical experience in satellite technology and fostering innovation. Indy Pathmanathan, Chairman of SLIIT Northern Uni, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “This initiative is a monumental step for space education in Sri Lanka, but more importantly, it demonstrates the power of cross-border collaboration in science and technology. Students from Sri Lanka and India will not only learn the intricacies of satellite technology but also the value of teamwork and innovation.”
He added, “Our students will gain first hand exposure to some of the most cutting-edge technological advancements, which will prepare them for future roles in science and engineering, both nationally and internationally.”
A Vision for Regional Cooperation in Space
The partnership highlights the growing emphasis on regional cooperation in space exploration between Sri Lanka and India. According to Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, “This project reflects a shared commitment between India and Sri Lanka to use space exploration as a tool for education and technological advancement. By engaging students from both nations, we hope to inspire a future generation of space innovators who can tackle global challenges through science and technology.”
Dr Kesan also emphasised the importance of space technology as a platform for collaboration, stating, “We are planting the seeds for a future where students from different countries can come together and push the boundaries of what’s possible in space science.”
Phased Approach to Learning
The project will unfold in two main phases. The first phase will focus on educating and training students in the basics of satellite technology. Fifty school students from Sri Lanka, ten from India, and fifty college students will undergo comprehensive training. This will provide them with essential knowledge in satellite design and space missions, blending theoretical learning with hands-on experience.
In the second phase, a select group of thirty college students from Sri Lanka will be deeply involved in building, assembling, and testing the satellite. They will collaborate with Indian experts and students throughout the process, gaining invaluable practical experience in satellite construction. To further inspire young minds, fifteen college students and fifty school students from Sri Lanka will travel to India to witness the satellite’s eventual launch.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
This joint effort between Northern Uni and Space Kidz India is poised to inspire a new generation of space scientists, engineers, and innovators. By giving students the opportunity to work on such an ambitious project, the initiative is laying the foundation for future careers in space science and technology. The skills and experience gained from this project are expected to open doors for students to contribute to global scientific advancements and tackle complex challenges in space research.
