An MoU was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) today for grant assistance for the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite.

The MoU was signed by Anurag Srivastava, JS (North) from MEA and Shri Arunachalam A, Director from NSIL. Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, Secretary, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Dr. Surendra Thapa, Chargé d’affaires of Nepali Embassy and Dr. Abhas Maskey, Founder, Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN) were also present at the occasion.

During the visit of External Affairs Minister to Nepal to co-chair the 7th JCM meeting, EAM witnessed the exchange of this Launch Service Agreement for the launch of Munal Satellite between NSIL and NAST, on 04 January 2024.

Munal Satellite is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of NAST. APN, a Nepali space startup, has assisted Nepali students in the design and fabrication of this satellite. The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database of the Earth’s surface.

This satellite is expected to be launched soon on NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

By: Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)