Munal Nano Satellite Diverts Before Intended Orbit
Kathmandu, Poush 30, 2082
Nepal’s small-sized earth satellite (nano satellite) “Munal” has become stuck in space. The nano satellite, launched on Monday under the initiative of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) with support from the Government of India, diverted and became stuck before reaching its correct orbit.
Launch details
With the initiative of India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Munal satellite was launched on Monday at around 10:30 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Built by Kathmandu University and school students
Students of Kathmandu University and higher secondary level students from various schools built the satellite. NAST Member Secretary Rabindra Dhakal said that although the satellite was completed two years ago, the launch schedule was arranged only now.
What happened after launch
Dhakal said the satellite reached up to 460 kilometers above space, but due to a technical problem it diverted and turned elsewhere instead of going to its intended destination.
Nepal’s first satellite, “NepaliSat-1,” launched five years ago, successfully reached above 400 kilometers in space.
Recovery not possible, even if found
According to Dhakal, even if the missing Munal satellite is located in space, it is not in a condition where it can be returned to its orbit. He said an immediate halt has occurred despite the students’ efforts and the Government of Nepal’s expectations, and that other satellites were also on the launch rocket.
Dhakal added that, rather than viewing it as a failure before reaching space, there is at least satisfaction that it reached space.
Nepal team in India and plan for “Munal 2”
For the launch, NAST Vice Chancellor Dr. Dilip Subba, Member Secretary Dr. Rabindra Dhakal, and engineer Hariram Shrestha, who had been supporting the satellite’s development, traveled to India.
Dhakal said that preparation for the construction and launch of “Munal 2” will begin as soon as they return.
Expected uses and satellite weight
The satellite was expected to support vegetation monitoring, testing of indigenous technology, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based data analysis and processing.
The satellite weighed about 1.3 kg.
NAST press statement and cause mentioned
After Munal’s failure, NAST has taken responsibility to build the “Munal 2” satellite with improvements. Dhakal said Indian scientists have stated that they will provide the necessary support for the construction and launch of “Munal 2.”
NAST, through a press release, stated that Munal was built within Nepal as a matter of national pride. It also said that although the initial phase of the space launch was successful, the flight deviated and turned elsewhere due to a problem during the operation of the rocket’s third stage.
2082 Poush 30
