Chepang Students Build Nepal’s First Satellite, Target Launch Within Two Months

A unique environment thrives inside a hall on the third floor of NavoDay Secondary School, where only Chepang children study. This hall hums with scientific energy and technological hope as a team works on building Nepal’s first satellite named ‘Slippers to Sat’.

For the past 14 months, a team of 15—including nine Chepang students—has been engaged in constructing this satellite. The project is supported by Antariksh Pratisthan Nepal (Space Establishment Nepal), with project management led by Engineer Rishabh Adhikari.

Adhikari shared that the satellite is now in its final stages of construction. “The team of trainee students and our engineers have reached the last phase of satellite assembly. We are preparing to launch it into space within two months,” he said enthusiastically.

Four Phases of Satellite Development Near Completion

The project is divided into four main phases, of which the satellite’s structural space frame, ground segment, and user notification systems (photo and data transmission) have already been completed. The final phase—launch preparation—is underway.

Testing for the space environment and launch conditions will be conducted within this month. Permission for the launch has been obtained from Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the International Telecommunication Union.

“The satellite will be launched from China using a Chinese rocket,” Adhikari added. “China’s space agency will perform necessary tests before sending it into orbit.”

Satellite Features and Functions

Engineer Kriti Dahal, part of the technical team, explained that the 14-member team works in four groups focusing on different satellite systems, including camera installation, digital communication for event alerts, attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), and earthquake early-warning technology.

Once in space, the satellite will:

• Provide early earthquake warnings to Earth up to one month in advance—possibly a world-first for such a small satellite.
• Capture high-resolution images of Earth.
• Enable control and operation of the satellite from the ground.
• Monitor atmospheric conditions.
• Provide early warnings for floods and landslides.

The satellite weighs approximately two kilograms and carries a camera, communication systems, and an electric power system capable of generating microwaves within magnetic fields. It is designed to operate for six years before safely burning up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, ensuring no harm to the environment.

Educational Impact on Chepang Students

The project has also been a significant learning opportunity for Chepang students, many of whom had little exposure to technology before this. Class 9 student Ransingh Chepang expressed his excitement, saying, “Fourteen months ago, I didn’t even know how to use a laptop. Now, I can help build a satellite. With support, we can achieve even more.”

The students attend regular classes during the day and dedicate mornings and evenings to satellite construction. They have even traveled to Bangalore, India, to learn satellite technology hands-on.

Project Manager Adhikari, who has studied satellite technology in China and Germany, said he is proud to pass on his knowledge to the Chepang youth. “We selected NavoDay School because of the students’ capability and suitability over other schools,” said Govindram Chepang, President of the Nepal Chepang Association Central Executive Committee.

Two students involved in the project are also preparing to travel to China for further training.