Martin Foundation in association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India to host
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission – 2023
Chennai, 15th February 2023 : Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Founda tion and Space Zone India is all geared up for the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023. Th rough this initiative, more than 5000 students from Grade VI to XII from different parts of India, have been eab led to design and develop 150 PICO satellites, which are to be launched through the sounding rocket. This missio n has also provided an opportunity for selected students to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
A total of 85% of the funding for this project is done by Martin Foundation. The milestone project – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023 – will be launched on 19th of February 2023 from Pattipulam villa ge, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. The selected students have been taught about satellite technology throu gh virtual classes, which has been followed by hands-on sessions to help them explore the project domain. They have also been made aware of the numerous benefits available in this sector.
Sharing his thoughts about the unique project, M George Marshall, Chief Operating Officer, Martin Group of Companies, said, “A total of 2000 students from more than 100 government schools are a part of this milestone project and it gives us a great sense of satisfaction. Enabling government school students to get trained in space sciences and providing them a platform to explore a career in that domain has been a gratifying experience.”
V Ranganathan, Satish Dhawan Scientist, who has held coveted positions in various space organisations of repute, regis tered his heartfelt appreciation to Martin Foundation, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone In dia for curating an exclusive and timely initiative. “Awareness about the various opportunities available is the need of th e hour. Most of the time, students don’t look beyond the tried and tested professions. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Laun ch Vehicle Mission- 2023 has opened many a door to the selected students. Apart from the immense knowledge gained through this initiative, the students get once-in-a-lifetime experience. This project should become an annual affair with more players contributing to making this event bigger and more beneficial. Such events will make India’s Space Progra mme robust and all inclusive and position India as the leader in space programme in the near future,” he said.
Dr Anand Megalingam, Founder and CEO, Space Zone Private Limited, said that he was elated at being able to contri bu te towards a robust space industry. “Our team of professionals in Satellite technology, rocket technology, drone tech nol ogy and other related fields have made this possible,” he said.
APJMJ Sheik Dawood and APJMP Sheik Saleem, grandnephews of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and co-founders AKIF- House of Kalam, Rameshwaram expressed their happiness about the successful implementation of the programme.
About Martin Group:
The Martin Group of Companies is one of India’s largest business conglomerates being lead by its founder & Cha irman, Mr. Santiago Martin. The group holds the majority market share of the country’s Lottery Industry. The gro up has also diversified into: Construction, Property Development for over a decade, Hospitality, Textile & Fabric Mills, Educational Institutions, Sustainable Energy, Retail Malls, Steel Industry, and Media & Entertainment. The Chairman of the Martin Group officially holds the record title for being the highest personal taxpayer in India, pa ying more than Rs 1 billion in 2004. He has been awarded the gold medal for Excellence in Business by the Found ation for Excellence in Business Practice, Geneva in 2004.
Space Zone India is a space company located in Chennai with the goal of providing low-cost, long-term solutions in the space industry. The organization is supported by a team of professionals in Satellite Technology, Rocket Te chnology, Drone Technology, and other fields. Space Zone India also undertakes educational and research-based programmes to bridge the innovation gap between NASA, the United States, and Indian educational institutions .The Space Zone Company was first established in the Chennai in 2018. It has its origins in several research initia tives that were developed in 2019.
About Abdul Kalam International Foundation:
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation (AKIF) was launched on 11th October 2015 in his loving memory by House of Kalam. The foundation works to fulfill the dreams and progress the ideas of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. An y developing country would dream to work towards the goal of attaining the “Developed Country” title. Dr.AP J. Abdul Kalam dream of a mission that visualized our country to be in the league of developed nations. The 2nd ye ar Remembrance Day was marked by the grand inauguration of Dr. Abdul Kalam memorial by the honourable Pr ime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Peikarumbu at Rameswaram.
