In a world often dominated by headlines of heated student politics and controversies, Kolkata's Jadavpur University emerges as a beacon of exceptional academic brilliance. Amidst the turmoil that often characterizes university campuses, two unsung heroes, Professor Amitava Gupta of the Power Engineering Department, and Professor Sayan Chatterjee of the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Department, have etched their names in the annals of history through their remarkable contributions to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) groundbreaking planetary mission.
Handpicked under ISRO's prestigious 'RESPOND' scheme in collaboration with top-tier academic institutions, this dynamic duo embarked on a daring project that would not only push the boundaries of India's capabilities in space science and technology but also redefine them. The professors set their sights on an audacious goal – achieving a feather-light lunar landing, a task made all the more daunting by the challenging, dimly illuminated terrain of the Moon's unexplored dark side.
Overcoming challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic and grappling with limited access to university facilities, Professor Chatterjee and his dedicated team remained undeterred. Armed with determination and guided by their collective expertise, they painstakingly developed an algorithm that held the key to guiding the lander Vikram of Chandrayaan 3 during its critical descent phase. Notably, Professor Gupta's ingenious solution to the absence of an accurate lander model was to craft a replica using Lego building blocks. This makeshift model, though unconventional, proved pivotal in accurately calculating dimensions crucial for the algorithm's creation.
At the heart of their innovation lay the seamless integration of machine learning within the lander's processor. Armed with a solitary photograph of the intended landing site, the professors combined their creative imagination with technological prowess. Through a series of simulated images and careful analysis of onboard camera data, the lander was empowered to autonomously adjust its trajectory as it descended towards the lunar surface. The incorporation of laser technology to measure the lunar terrain added an extra layer of precision to the mission's success.
Acknowledging the shroud of secrecy that often enshrouds ISRO's decisions, Professor Chatterjee remains modest while discussing their significant contribution. Nevertheless, a sense of pride and accomplishment shines through as he recounts the successful execution of their meticulously crafted algorithm during the crucial landing phase. The journey, fraught with complexities and uncertainties, culminated in an unprecedented triumph – a historic soft landing on the Moon's south pole. This feat not only underscored India's technological prowess but also symbolized the nation's unwavering determination to conquer new frontiers.
Amidst their resounding success, Professor Chatterjee highlights the financial constraints that often challenge their university's research endeavors. However, these constraints haven't deterred their department from garnering support from software industries to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to semiconductor chip design. This ambitious undertaking is a testament to Jadavpur University's faculty members' dedication and resilience in propelling India's technological landscape forward.
In a narrative that weaves together innovation, tenacity, and an indomitable spirit to overcome obstacles, Professors Amitava Gupta and Sayan Chatterjee from Jadavpur University stand as beacons of inspiration for India's scientific and technological progress. Their unsung contribution exemplifies the true essence of heroes – individuals who, against all odds, pave the way for monumental achievements. Through their unwavering commitment, they have illuminated a path that will guide future generations of scientists and engineers towards even greater heights.
Below is an interview in Bengali with the news and YouTube channel Anandabazar Patrika
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