Institute of Space Technology on 21 November 2013, launched Pakistan's first Cubesat satellite, iCUBE-1, onboard Dnepr launch vehicle from Yasny launch base, Russia. Its transmitted signal can be heard on VHF band. It has a mass of 1.1 kg & has a volume of 10 cm cube, it houses several sensors to collect data for scientific purposes. iCUBE-1 is a fully autonomous satellite and is capable of maintaining its health via its on-board computer. iCUBE-1 will open up a wide range of future experiments that can be carried on Cubesat in the domain of imaging, microgravity, biology, nanotechnology, space dynamics, chemistry, space physics and various other fields. Cubesats can also provide a test bed for developing satellite constellations for specific applications.
Academics
Degree programs
The disciplines and the degree programs offered by IST have been given below. The regular duration of BS and MS / M Phil degree programs is 4 and 2 years, respectively.
Departments
At present, the institute holds the following Departments:
National Centre for Remote-Sensing & Geo-Informatics
Humanities & Sciences
Annual events
IST Youth Carnival
It was called as "All-Pakistan Inter University Challenge". IST has organized the Challenge every year for four years. The event attracts participation from the universities/degree awarding institutes/post-graduate colleges in the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area as well as from the cities of Taxila and Peshawar. The event includes over a dozen extracurricular competitions such as dramatics, short film, all-rounder, Mushaira and Battle of the Bands. Recently, the name of this event has now been replaced by IST Youth Carnival, or IYC.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 4–10 October as World Space Week. Pakistan is endeavoring to enter into the realm of Space Science & Technology and related applications. In past couple of decades IST has seen considerable advances in this field. The success of any space program relies greatly on public understanding and support. IST in collaboration with our National Space Agency is communicating the benefits of Space Technology to the public on regular basis. The institute has pioneered the observation of the International World Space Week in Pakistan. Walks, lectures and seminars are arranged in schools and colleges of the Twin-City area by students of IST. The week culminates with a full day variety show at the Institute that includes space quiz, poster competitions, space cinema and a musical concert.
Extracurricular
Societies
ArtIST: promotes the spirit of Art among engineers by organizing painting, sketching, rebel pen, truck art, craft exhibition & Visage Canvas competitions.
Hawks Adventure: It is the most famous and active adventure club of Islamabad.
Aero Society: for students interested in hobby projects/research related to Aerospace.
Communication Society: for students interested in hobby projects/research related to Communications,
Material Advantage Chapter: for students interested in hobby projects/research related to Materials Science.
IST Media Club: It consists of a team of photographers, graphic designers, video editors, programmers, digital artists, writers and social media experts whose job is to market and publicize the events and happening in IST.
Pegasus: a bi-monthly, bilingual magazine that encourages students to hone their literary skills.
News Corridor: campus newsletter covering happenings in the institution.
AOUJ: Performing Arts Club - for the promotion of drama, acting and dance.
Sports Society: oversees the inter-university and intra-university sports fixtures.
Umeed: a philanthropic organization that helps underprivileged students in the Twin-City area.
Blood Donor Club: organizes an annual blood donation camp.
Environmental Club: raises awareness and takes concrete measures for environmental protection.
MATHEMA: The mathematics society of IST - Aims to provide enrichment and challenges for students of IST who demonstrate strong interest in mathematics.