Chennai: Anusat, a micro-satellite will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket in September this year. Developed by Anna University in Chennai, Anusat carries a digital "store and forward" payload for amateur communications.

The 50 kg micro-satellite, partially named after the university (Anna University Microsatellite), is being designed and fabricated by the University's academicians and students as part of a project sponsored by ISRO. "We are encouraging such programs which help institutions make test satellites," said Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman, G Madhavan Nair.

The program was cost-effective as most of these hardware modules are built around low cost COTs components followed by extensive testing and it cost only one-third or one-fifth of the programs of other nations. The scientists did not have any help from developed nations.Anna University is the first Indian university designing in house a complete micro satellite. The initiative was approved in January 2002 and formally announced on Feb. 18, 2002.