April 20, 2024
U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru celebrated Satellite Technology Day (STD) - 2024, commemorating the successful launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, on April 19, 1975. STD-2024 holds immense significance as it marks the beginning of the 50th year of Aryabhata Launch which was accomplished under the able leadership of Prof U R Rao, further amplified by the triumphs of recent scientific missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and XPOSAT, which garnered national and international recognition.
The event began with a ceremonial invocation and lamp lighting. During his address, Shri M Sankaran, Director, URSC highlighted the remarkable achievements of URSC over the past 50 years and its roadmap for the future. He even reminisced about the tradition of celebrating Satellite Technology Day (STD) annually at the Centre on April 19, since the year 2000 in a technically befitting manner.
Shri S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO/Secretary DOS in his address emphasized the importance of URSC taking a leadership role in pioneering new satellite technologies to propel future space missions.
The esteemed Aryabhata Lecture was delivered by Dr. G Sateesh Reddy, former advisor to Raksha Mantri on the crucial role of Satellites for the National requirements. The second speaker, Shri Rohan Ganapathy, co-founder of Bellatrix Aerospace, delivered a talk on cutting-edge satellite propulsion systems and their indigenous developments.
The proceedings of STD-2024, a compilation of innovative technical papers on satellite technology from various ISRO Centres were released as part of the celebrations. The event featured a video presentation showcasing the pioneering technological development by URSC for induction in future missions at SPOTLIGHT, a platform to demonstrate newer technologies in the Centre.
The inaugural session was followed by the presentation of the technical papers and awarding of certificates to presenters of papers and posters.
A poster display showcasing the technological advancements achieved by various technical entities of the Centre was also organized as part of the celebration. STD-2024 also witnessed the inauguration of a pavilion, titled "URSC’s Gateway to 2047" serving as a constant reminder of the goals, URSC strive to achieve in the future.