June 21, 2017: The smallest satellite in the world, called "KalamSat', was launched by NASA. The 64 gms weighing satellite was designed and built by Rifath Sharook, an 18-year-old Indian boy.
Sharook, hailing from Pallapati in Tamil Nadu, and his team of six rejoiced as the record was set on Wednesday. His experiment was selected by NASA after he demonstrated his invention in a competition called 'Cubes in Space'. An organization called 'Space Kidz India' funded the satellite. Rafith has been a member of the organization since class 8th.
To create the satellite, Rafith and team used carbon fiber polymer. KalamSat was able to operate for 12 minutes in microgravity. According to the inventor, the purpose of the satellite is to "demonstrate the performance of 3-D printed carbon fiber."
Rafith was generous enough to dedicate his record-setting invention after APJ Abdul Kalam, former President, and a remarkable nuclear scientist.
Sharook is a genius scientist. In 2015, he reportedly launched a 1200g helium weather balloon from a ground in Kelmabakkam.
The 64 gram glory has made another record as this is the first time NASA has carried out an experiment by Indian students. Unfortunately, the group could not attend the launch which took place in Wallop's islands.
Rifath aims to start a private space organization in India.
– by Saksham Narula of NewsGram. Twitter: @Saksham2394