AathreyaSat: A CanSat Model for Air Pollution Measurement in Competition

A CanSat mission, such as the AathreyaSat in the World CanSat/Rocketry Championship (WCRC) competition in Serbia, involves condensing all satellite hardware and software subsystems into a compact container, similar in size to a soda can. These missions serve as valuable learning experiences for students, providing insight into satellite systems and space understanding. The AathreyaSat was designed to be lightweight yet resilient, with specific dimensions of 115mm in height, 66mm in diameter, and a maximum weight of 150 grams. The satellite successfully achieved the WCRC's objectives, which included measuring air pollution during its descent. Notably, the analysis revealed that carbon monoxide levels remained constant throughout the descent, while both humidity and temperature experienced slight increases. This competition fostered innovation and problem-solving skills among participants, enabling them to plan, design, and execute space missions on a smaller scale.