While sports, arts, and co-curriculars are a regular feature for Mumbai students, nearly 50 participants dived into the unique realm of satellite communication this week. On Tuesday morning, they gathered at the St Xavier’s School ground, holding up various antennas to transmit images and voice signals.
The workshop attracted a diverse crowd, from 14-year-olds and ex-electronic engineers to Navy personnel and radio hams in their 70s. Led by former ISRO engineer BA Subramani, the two-day programme at St Xavier’s College took students inside and outside the classroom to explore the intricacies of satellite communication.
“Students often think satellites, rockets, and space skills are limited to places like ISRO. Workshops like these introduce them to communication hardware and software, satellite tracking, and other skills that are accessible to students,” said Subramani, also Radio Station Director of Upagrah, ISRO.
13-year-old Ammaar Shaikh, the youngest participant, said, “I have always been fascinated by satellites, and I think they will play a part in my career. Following along in the workshop and seeing satellites, azimuths, and connectivity at work has been really interesting.” This Tuesday, the i-Robochakra workshop created a satellite simulation, allowing participants to capture images and receive them on their phones via an antenna and handheld receiver.
Students huddled in groups, adjusting to get the best image resolution. Among them was 78-year-old Vilas Rabde, a retired engineer and ham radio enthusiast. “If an internet tower fails, communication can halt, but satellite communication can still reach across the world. Curiosity about space and India’s success with satellites keeps younger generations engaged too,” he told mid-day.
For some, the workshop was a chance to revisit childhood hobbies. “My grandfather had a telescope, and we often gazed at planets and stars. So when I heard about this, I knew I had to attend,” said Ruia College student Sai Saple, who hopes to share the experience with her grandfather. Cybersecurity enthusiasts, physics students, and mathematics tutors all found themselves exploring a technology often discussed but rarely experienced firsthand.
