Award‑Winning 3D‑Printed Miniature Satellite Triumphs at India’s First CanSat Challenge

Drishti, the technical hobby club of NIT Surat, entered India’s inaugural CanSat competition with a bold vision: a lightweight, robust, and cost‑effective miniature satellite that could survive a 400‑metre launch, deploy a parachute, and transmit real‑time data to ground control.

Team Kranti—seven dedicated engineering students—delivered an exceptional design and emerged as champions of the University CanSat Challenge 2015‑16, organized by the Association of Robotics & Development Labs (ARDL).

Design Challenge

The satellite had to survive the stresses of launch and descent while collecting atmospheric data—pressure, temperature, GPS coordinates, altitude—and transmitting it via a communication module.

Key to success was the outer shell: the team chose a 3D‑printed body to meet strict weight, strength, and cost targets, while enabling rapid iteration.

DBZ 3D Printing Solution

Using a DivByZero Technologies 3D printer, Team Kranti fabricated the satellite’s enclosure in just two days, eliminating the need for a traditional mold.

3D printing facilitated multiple design revisions and on‑the‑go testing of critical components. The enclosure was printed from ESD‑safe polycarbonate, delivering a high‑strength, RF‑shielded shell.

The innovative approach earned commendation from ISRO scientists and the Director of Asteria Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., solidifying Team Kranti’s status as a winning team.

3D printing is rapidly becoming the preferred manufacturing method for low‑volume, highly customized aerospace components.

Whether you’re an individual or organization looking to explore 3D printing, the DBZ team is ready to guide you. Contact us at https://www.divbyz.com/contact.