SGT University Celebrated National Space Day with a High-Flying Adventure

Gurugram, August 23, 2024: On the inaugural National Space Day, commemorating the successful landing of Vikram Lander as part of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, SGT University's Centre for Cosmology and Science Popularization (CCSP) organized an inspiring demonstration of a tethered high-altitude balloon launch. This event showcased the university's commitment to advancing space science education and research, marking a significant milestone in the institution's pursuit of scientific excellence. Over 150 students participated in the event, including 80 from SGT University and 70 from nearby schools.

The demonstration, held on August 23, featured a tethered launch of a high-altitude balloon reaching 150 meters. A typical high-altitude balloon experiment involves suitable balloons for lift and payload, depending on the experiment to be conducted, as well as a recovery and tracking system, which includes GPS trackers and a parachute. In this demonstration, the payload was equipped with pollution sensors to measure particulate matter of 1.0 and 2.5 microns, a small camera, GPS for location tracking, and a flight termination unit to control the flight duration.

A team of distinguished scientists and resource people from Bangalore conducted the demonstration. The team included Dr. Margarita Safonova from the M.P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, Mr. Mahesh Babu S., an engineer trainee in electronics from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Mr. Praveen Kumar, a Ph.D. student from IISc, Bangalore.

The demonstration served multiple educational purposes, including:

• ● Prototype testing for future student satellites, allowing students to gain practical experience in satellite design and function.


• ● Exploration of high-value planetary science achievable from stratospheric or low-atmospheric balloon platforms, encouraging students to think creatively about space research methodologies.


• ● Identification of technical challenges and risks in developing reusable balloon platforms suitable for scientific campaigns, preparing students for real-world problem-solving in the field.


• ● Discussions on potential future payloads to test atmospheric parameters and carry out astro-chemical and astro-biological experiments in near space, inspiring students to consider the breadth of possibilities in space science.

As SGT University continues to push the boundaries of education and research, events like the high-altitude balloon demonstration on National Space Day serve as a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in science education. By providing such unique opportunities, SGT University is not just educating students but inspiring the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators who will shape the future of space exploration and scientific discovery.

About CCSP

The Centre for Cosmology and Science Popularization (CCSP) is a newly established autonomous Centre of Excellence at SGT University, fully dedicated to hard-core research in cosmology and popularizing science at the grassroots level in society. CCSP focuses on four key areas: excellent research in Cosmology and Particle Physics, science popularization for the common masses, visitor programs for students and researchers, and advanced Ph.D. programs in Physics and Mathematics. The Centre aims to build strong foundations of research in Cosmology, Astrophysics, Particle Physics, and allied areas through its diverse programs, while simultaneously working towards the development of scientific temper and culture in society by involving school students in its initiatives.

About SGT University

SGT University, located in Gurugram, is a leading institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs across 18 faculties. The university has a noble mission of providing opportunities for higher education to all sections of society and a vision of bridging the existing skill gap and developing world-class industry professionals.

Known for its excellence in medicine, dentistry, environmental science, engineering, and data science, the university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including Asia's first National Reference Simulation Centre for Nursing, founded in collaboration with Jhpiego, Laerdal Medical India, and the Indian Nursing Council. The university also houses an NABL and NABH-accredited multi-specialty SGT Hospital, serving surrounding communities and providing practical experience to medical students.

Accredited with an NAAC "A+" rating, SGT University has received numerous accolades, including a "Diamond Rating" from QS I-GAUGE and a "Diamond Band" from R World Institutional Ranking in the "Mental Health & Wellbeing" category.

The university's commitment to research is evident in its facilities for each of its 18 faculties, ranging from medicine and dentistry to law, business, engineering, and behavioral sciences. A dedicated "Office of Research and Development" further encourages and facilitates research among faculty and students.

SGT University's strong industry partnerships have resulted in world-class labs established in collaboration with global leaders such as Apple, IBM, SAP, Oracle, SMC India, UNESCO Bioethics, Laerdal-Jhpiego, and many others. These partnerships, along with the university's focus on practical, cutting-edge education, have consistently produced highly skilled and employable professionals.