Space Research

Introduction  
The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)'s Space Research Centre (SRC) is the country's leading and pioneering institution dedicated to space science, technology, and applications development. It was established to strengthen Nepal's presence in the international space community. SRC is committed to developing indigenous and low-cost space technologies, conducting impactful research, and educating the next generation of space scientists and engineers. SRC aims to use space research to support Nepal's socioeconomic growth, particularly in disaster management, environmental conservation, and communication.

Major Objectives
SRC’s objectives are built around the vision of transforming the Centre into Nepal’s “National Space Research Centre”, serving as the country’s core institution for space-related research and technology development. 

Key objectives include:
1. Satellite Development and Research: To lead the design, development, and operation of small satellites that address Nepal’s specific needs and strengthen the country’s technological self-reliance.

2. Utilizing Data for National Development: To apply satellite data in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and urban planning, using space technology for sustainable development and resilience.
3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: To train students and professionals, fostering local expertise in space technology through hands-on training, workshops, and international collaborations.
4. Support for Space Innovation and Startups: To provide guidance and resources to space-focused startups, helping them develop technologies in areas like rocket engineering and satellite communication.
5. Public Engagement and Education: To promote public understanding of space science and technology through outreach programs, events, and educational initiatives.

Ongoing Activities :
SRC is engaged in a variety of projects and initiatives, each contributing to Nepal’s growth in space technology and addressing national challenges:

1. Munal Satellite Mission: The Munal satellite, developed with SRC’s support, is set for launch through a partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s satellite program, aiming to support earth observation and communication needs.

2. CanSat Satellite Training and Demonstrations: SRC offers CanSat satellite training for engineering students, providing practical experience in designing and launching small satellite models. The Centre also conducts demonstrations for school and high school students to inspire an interest in space science from a young age.

3. GPS/GNSS Pilot Projects and Research: Following a recent seminar on GPS and GNSS technologies, SRC is preparing pilot projects to explore the use of satellite navigation for traffic management and disaster risk reduction. These projects aim to reduce urban congestion and improve response in disaster-prone areas by leveraging real-time positioning and navigation data.
4. Amateur Radio Program: SRC runs an amateur radio program to introduce students and researchers to radio frequency and satellite communication, building foundational skills in communication technology.
5. Rocket Development and Testing for Startups: SRC supports Nepali startups interested in rocket technology by offering mentorship, workshops, and technical guidance. This initiative aims to foster a culture of innovation, enabling local startups to experiment with rocket and payload technologies.

Picture Source:HEPTASAT and Mach24Orbitals

6. Data Utilization and Application Projects: The Centre employs remote sensing data for essential projects in agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. Current applications include monitoring crop yields, analyzing deforestation trends, and creating flood maps to enhance Nepal’s environmental resilience.
7. Educational and Outreach program: SRC offers hands-on training in satellite engineering, remote sensing, and GNSS applications. These programs aim to develop a skilled workforce capable of advancing Nepal’s capabilities in space science.

NepaliSat-1 :The First satellite of Nepal
Nepal marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, NepaliSat-1, into space, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).The NepaliSat-1 statement was the Make the first step towards creating an indigenous space program by designing, building, testing, launching and operating, the first satellite(s) for participating nations Nepal. The project is led by Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan and involves students from SriLanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Japan under the Superviosr Professor. Mengu Cho. This achievement not only placed Nepal on the global space map but also ignited the nation’s ambition to explore and harness the potential of space science and technology.

On April 17, 2019  or Baishak 5, 2076, NepaliSat-1 was launched into space from Virginia space’s Mid -Atlantic Regional spaceport at NASA’s Wallops, United States. The nanosatellite was carried the national  flag with all nepalese people pride, representing Nepal’s determination to develop its own space capabilities in the world. The satellite was designed and built in collaboration with the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan under the BIRDS-3 program, a multinational initiative aimed at providing hands-on satellite development experience to students from non-spacefaring nations.

The primary objective of NepaliSat-1 was to capture images of Nepal's topography, which could be used for various applications such as disaster monitoring, land use mapping, and environmental studies. Though small in size, this satellite has paved the way for future advancements in space technology in Nepal. to take image(s) from space primarily for media and outreach programs. The objective is to take image(s) for publication in national news media and to raise awareness about the existence of satellite in space and the other missions are the LDM mission,ADCS mission and the software configurable Backplane board.

Nepal has made remarkable progress in space exploration, starting with the historic launch of its first satellite, NepaliSat-1. This achievement marked a significant milestone, not only for the nation but also in its quest to develop a sustainable space program. The successful deployment of NepaliSat-1 was met with widespread recognition, including congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister of Nepal, who described it as a "testament to the nation's growing capabilities in space technology." The Prime Minister emphasized that this event symbolizes Nepal's aspirations to be at the forefront of scientific innovation. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) plays a vital role in helping non-spacefaring countries gain access to and benefit from space technology. UNOOSA's mission is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space,

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal,the Japan Embassy in Nepal also commended this achievement, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. Their message reflected the collaborative spirit that has driven Nepal's success in space, acknowledging the critical partnerships that made the NepaliSat-1 project possible.
Building on this success, Nepal is now preparing for its next major project—the Munal nanosatellite. Supported by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and developed by the Nepali startup company APN, the Munal satellite represents a significant step forward in enhancing the nation's capabilities in space technology. The launch service agreement for Munal was formalized on January 4, 2024, during the visit of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to Nepal. This collaboration underscores the importance of regional partnerships in advancing space exploration and technology.

In addition to Munal, Nepal is also pioneering the development of 'Sanosat,' a pocket satellite created by the Nepali startup Orion Space. Sanosat is an innovative project that showcases the ingenuity and determination of Nepali engineers. However, due to challenges in obtaining a radio license within Nepal, Orion Space collaborated with partners in Spain to successfully launch and operate Sanosat. This project highlights the hurdles faced by emerging space nations and the creative solutions that can overcome these challenges.

NAST's continuous efforts to build capacity in space research and technology are essential for Nepal's future as a space-faring nation. The establishment of a dedicated Space Research Centre in Nepal is a critical goal, aimed at fostering innovation, research, and education in space science. This center will not only serve as a hub for scientific research but also play a vital role in inspiring and educating the next generation of Nepali scientists and engineers.

As Nepal continues to advance in space technology, the successes of NepaliSat-1, Munal, and Sanosat are clear indicators of the nation's commitment to this field. The journey from launching the first satellite to establishing a space research center is a testament to the vision and dedication of the Nepali government, scientists, and international partners. With ongoing effort and collaboration, Nepal is well on its way to becoming a significant player in the global space 

Contact person:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Er. Hari Ram Shrestha
Head, Space Research Centre (SRC) 
Faculty of Technology ,NAST
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Phone: +977-9841456498