Failure didn't stop them! 750 Indian schoolgirls faced failure on their first space mission; their second satellite is now orbiting close to ISS

The first attempt did not go as planned. In August 2022, a satellite carrying experiments designed by 750 Indian schoolgirls failed to reach its intended orbit after the maiden flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Instead of ending the project, the setback became a valuable learning experience.

Just six months later, the students' reworked experiments were launched once again aboard AzaadiSAT-2, which successfully entered orbit around Earth. Today, the satellite circles the planet at an altitude of about 450 kilometres, close to the region where the International Space Station (ISS) operates.

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The achievement, highlighted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has become one of India's most inspiring examples of hands-on space education.

What is the AzaadiSAT project?

The AzaadiSAT project was launched to mark 75 years of India's Independence with the aim of encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The initiative brought together 750 schoolgirls from 75 schools across India, including many from rural areas. Guided by Space Kidz India, the students designed and built small scientific experiments that would eventually become part of a real satellite.

Unlike classroom science projects, these experiments were integrated into an operational spacecraft that had to withstand launch vibrations, function in space and transmit data back to Earth.

Why did the first AzaadiSAT mission fail?

The first AzaadiSAT was launched on 7 August 2022 aboard the maiden flight of ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Although the rocket lifted off successfully, it failed to place the satellite into the correct orbit. The spacecraft did not achieve the required velocity needed to remain in orbit around Earth and eventually re-entered the atmosphere.

A satellite must not only reach space but also travel at the precise speed and direction needed to balance Earth's gravity. Without that, it cannot remain in orbit.

While the mission failed to achieve its orbital objective, ISRO analysed the flight data to identify what had gone wrong.

How ISRO and Space Kidz India turned failure into success

Following the unsuccessful mission, ISRO introduced several technical improvements before the next SSLV launch.

The agency upgraded the rocket's stage separation system, refined its navigation software and strengthened protection against launch vibrations. These changes were designed to prevent a repeat of the earlier failure.

Meanwhile, the educational payloads created by the students were rebuilt and integrated into AzaadiSAT-2 by Space Kidz India.

On 10 February 2023, the improved SSLV successfully placed AzaadiSAT-2, EOS-07 and Janus-1 into their planned orbits in a mission lasting around 15 minutes.

AzaadiSAT-2 now orbits close to the International Space Station

Following its successful launch, AzaadiSAT-2 entered a circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 450 kilometres above Earth.

This places it close to the orbital region where the International Space Station, which typically flies at around 400 kilometres, operates.

Although the two spacecraft are not travelling together, the comparison highlights the remarkable achievement of a satellite carrying experiments developed by school students.

What experiments did the 750 schoolgirls build?

Each of the 75 participating schools developed a small scientific experiment that became part of the satellite's payload.

Among the experiments and systems included were radiation sensors, radio communication equipment, a long-range transmitter and a self-portrait camera.

The satellite was also designed to transmit voice and scientific data using amateur radio frequencies, allowing information from space to be received by ground stations.

While the students focused on designing educational payloads, experts from Space Kidz India handled the satellite's overall integration, testing and assembly, with ISRO managing the launch and orbital operations.

How the project brought space science closer to rural students

One of the project's biggest achievements was making space technology accessible to students who had never previously worked on a real aerospace mission.

Many participants came from rural schools and gained practical experience in sensors, electronics, communication systems, energy management and spacecraft design.

Rather than simply learning about satellites through textbooks, the students worked on components that ultimately travelled into orbit around Earth.

Why the AzaadiSAT mission is significant

The AzaadiSAT project demonstrates that failure is often part of scientific progress.

Although the first satellite never reached orbit, the lessons learned from that mission helped improve both the rocket and the satellite for a successful second attempt.

For hundreds of young girls across India, the project offered something far more valuable than a classroom exercise, it provided first-hand experience of designing experiments that now orbit Earth, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Inputs from TOI