MCC students get hands-on experience in launching miniature satellites

chennai: students from chennai christian college higher secondary school (mcc) recently built and launched miniature satellites as part of a hands-on science initiative.the training session, held yesterday at mcc higher secondary school in sethupattu, chennai, was organized by wings of science, a salem-based science and technology training institute.a total of six groups, each consisting of 10 students, constructed 50-gram satellites equipped with sensors to measure air humidity, temperature, ultraviolet radiation, the earth's magnetic field, and various gases, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. these satellites were then linked wireless to mobile phones for data transmission.the miniature satellites were attached to helium-filled balloons and launched to a height of 100 meters.reflecting on the experience, the students shared, “we were trained by six experts, led by arvind and shanmugaraja, the founders of wings of science academy. after completing the training, we independently built and launched the satellites on a 100-meter tether."the satellite's data showed that while the oxygen level on the ground was 21%, it decreased to 18% at 100 meters. carbon dioxide levels rose from 9.5% at ground level to 11% above. humidity increased from 53% to 55%, while the temperature dropped from 35°c on the ground to 33°c at altitude. ultraviolet radiation intensity was 82, light intensity 92, and the magnetic field was recorded at 205.the students expressed that this project has deepened their understanding of satellites and sparked further interest in space technology.jebadas dinakaran, principal, mcc school praised the students for their enthusiasm and announced plans to take them to isro soon for an opportunity to learn about rockets and satellites firsthand.