KATHMANDU, April 19: Yesterday, Nepal launched its first ever satellite. Named as NepaliSat-1, the nanosatellite, weighing 1 kg was airborne at 2:31 AM Nepali time from Virginia, United States.
In an exclusive interview with myrepublica.com, Pratik Rimal spoke to Abhas Maskey, who led the team of eight scientists from Japan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka to develop three BIRDS –III satellites.
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Maskey also refutes accusations of trumpeting the launch and calls it a major leap for Nepal in space exploration.
“This is a milestone because we’ve showcased technology. This will help us to develop our satellites in the future,” he said.
The feat is a milestone and after the launch, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tweeted, “Through a humble beginning, the launching of NepaliSat-1 Nepal has entered the Space-Era. I wish to congratulate all those scientists and institutions that were involved right from the development to its launching thereby enhancing the prestige of our country.”
Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhungel, Senior Technical Officer at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) also explained why the launch was a milestone.
