In a remarkable achievement, the Jigyasa team from Hyderabad-based Anurag University has claimed the top spot at the prestigious World CanSat and Rocketry Championship (WCRC) finals, held in Aveiro, Portugal. Competing against elite teams from countries like Portugal, Romania, and Serbia, the four-member squad emerged victorious, earning the coveted titles of "World Champions" and "Best Communication."
The team, comprising G. Maniram (CSE, 3rd year), Y. Bala Praneeth Sagar (ECE, 3rd year), T.R. Divyakanth (ECE, 3rd year), and Rujul Rumale (ECE, 2nd year), was lauded for their innovative CanSat design and their ability to outperform competitors during both mission phases. Their success was met with widespread celebration, and they were welcomed home with a grand procession at their university, attended by over 400 students.
Victory and Recognition
The WCRC is one of the most prestigious competitions in the field of satellite technology and rocketry. Winning this global contest is considered a monumental achievement, as teams from across the world showcase their technical prowess by developing miniaturized satellites, or CanSats. Despite facing fierce competition, Jigyasa distinguished itself by excelling in both primary and secondary mission objectives, securing two prestigious awards.
“We are thrilled to announce that we have been named World Champions and received the award for Best Communication,” the students shared after their victorious return. The team's CanSat was praised for its advanced structural design, robust communication systems, efficient battery management, and comprehensive data collection. It also successfully completed survival and recovery tasks, crucial components in the competition's criteria.
In addition to their technical feats, the Jigyasa team garnered significant attention on social media, achieving the highest engagement and viewership among participants on Instagram.
The CanSat and Its Mission
A CanSat is a scaled-down satellite, designed to resemble the size and shape of a soft drink can, yet equipped with all the critical components of a real satellite. Jigyasa’s CanSat featured an onboard computer, power supply, sensors, and a communication protocol, all integrated into a compact and efficient design. The team’s mission had two key objectives:
- Primary Mission: Transmit telemetry data to a ground station every second, while ensuring the CanSat survived either floating on water or underwater.
- Secondary Mission: Measure water quality parameters, maintain communication with the ground station post-landing, and ensure safe recovery.
The team’s CanSat not only completed these tasks but also impressed the jury with its unique flap-like design, which aided in weight distribution and buoyancy. Unlike other teams, many of whom faced challenges during the secondary mission, Jigyasa successfully conducted water testing, solidifying their top position.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Triumphs
The road to victory was not without obstacles. Ten international teams were selected for the finals, but only six could participate due to visa complications. The Jigyasa team itself received their visas just three days before the competition. Despite these hurdles, the team remained determined, arriving at the venue two days before the event and working tirelessly to test and refine their satellite.
“We were first-time fliers, and we spent two sleepless nights perfecting our CanSat before the competition,” the team shared during their felicitation ceremony at Anurag University. Their dedication paid off, as their handmade CanSat, which included custom-built circuits, antennas, and even a parachute, performed flawlessly.
The students also expressed gratitude to their mentors, Prof. M. Narayana (ECE) and Dr. P. Vishwanath (MECH), for their guidance, and to fellow student Rakshit Raj (MECH, 3rd year) for his support in the structural design and descent mechanism.
A Global Stage for Innovation
The World CanSat and Rocketry Championship, organized by the WCRC Consortium in collaboration with the Universidade de Aveiro and Instituto de Telecomunicações, is an international platform for the brightest minds in satellite technology. Jigyasa’s victory not only highlights the talent of the team but also underscores Anurag University’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence.
As the world champions returned to Hyderabad, they were greeted with a hero’s welcome at the university, celebrated by their peers and faculty. The team's achievement is a testament to their hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance, placing them among the brightest talents in the field of aerospace technology.
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