Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 19, 2025 – Sri Lanka is on the cusp of a groundbreaking moment in its burgeoning space exploration journey, as its third nano-satellite, named BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY, is scheduled for orbital deployment from the International Space Station (ISS) today, September 19, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. Sri Lanka time. This pivotal event, widely reported in the last 24-48 hours, marks a significant stride forward for the island nation’s advancements in space technology and international scientific collaboration.
The highly anticipated release of BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY from the ISS underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and participating actively in the global space community. News outlets across the country have highlighted the imminent launch, emphasizing its importance as a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities.
A Legacy of Innovation: Building on Previous Successes
BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY follows in the successful footsteps of Sri Lanka’s pioneering nano-satellites. The country first entered the space arena with the launch of RAAVANA-1 in 2019, a landmark achievement that captured national pride. This was followed by the KITSUNE satellite in 2022, developed through international partnerships.
These earlier missions laid the groundwork for the advanced capabilities embodied in the BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY. The continuous progression from RAAVANA-1 to KITSUNE, and now to DRAGONFLY, illustrates a methodical and ambitious approach to space technology development, demonstrating Sri Lanka’s sustained dedication to becoming a recognized player in aerospace innovation.
The Genesis of DRAGONFLY: A Collaborative Masterpiece
A remarkable aspect of the BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY project is that it incurred no capital cost to the Sri Lankan government, a detail that has been widely praised across recent news reports. The initiative was spearheaded by Engineer (Dr.) Sanath Panawanne, the former Director General of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) and a visionary founder of the Sri Lankan Space Technology Development Program.
This groundbreaking endeavor is a shining example of international cooperation, benefiting from the robust support of prominent global entities. Key collaborators include the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) agency, and Japan’s esteemed Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech). Such partnerships are crucial for non-spacefaring nations to access and contribute to cutting-edge space research and technology.
The Minds Behind the Mission: Sri Lankan Engineering Prowess
The success of the BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY project is a direct result of the dedication and expertise of a brilliant team of Sri Lankan engineers and scientists. This collaborative group, working under the guidance of ACCIMT, has been instrumental in the design, development, and preparation of the nano-satellite. The core engineering team comprises Engineer Kamani Ediriweera, Engineer Kavindra Jayawardena, Engineer Kaveendra Sampath, Engineer Uditha Gayan, Research Scientist Thilina Wijebandara, and notably, Engineer Tharindu Dayarathna.
Engineer Tharindu Dayarathna, a key member of the team, is credited with developing a new low-cost communication subsystem for nanosatellites, a technology that BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY will be testing in orbit. This innovation has the potential to make satellite technology more accessible and cost-effective for future missions globally.
DRAGONFLY’s Ambitious Scientific Objectives
The BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY nano-satellite is designed to undertake several critical space research missions, propelling Sri Lanka’s scientific understanding and technological capabilities. Its primary objectives include:
- Testing a New Low-Cost Communication Subsystem: This mission will validate the efficiency and reliability of the innovative communication subsystem developed by Engineer Tharindu Dayarathna, aiming to enhance communication capabilities for small satellites.
- Conducting an Additional Communication Research Mission: Beyond the initial subsystem test, DRAGONFLY will delve deeper into exploring and improving communication systems, thereby contributing to the broader advancement of satellite technology.
- Evaluating the BUS System Under Space Conditions: The satellite’s BUS system, which serves as its fundamental structure housing essential subsystems, will be rigorously evaluated in the harsh environment of space to ensure its robustness and performance.
- Facilitating Amateur Radio Communication: The satellite will also provide a valuable platform for amateur radio operators to relay messages, and demonstrate a “store-and-forward” data relay system, enabling messages to be uploaded, stored, and then transmitted to ground stations in different regions.
The Future of Sri Lanka’s Space Aspirations
The deployment of BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY from the ISS represents more than just a technological achievement; it symbolizes Sri Lanka’s soaring ambitions in space. The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) in Moratuwa, a key institution in this journey, will be broadcasting the orbital release live, allowing the nation to witness this historic moment.
This mission is a testament to the nation’s strategic vision for leveraging space technology for scientific research, educational enrichment, and ultimately, for the benefit of its people. As Sri Lanka continues to expand its footprint in the cosmos, projects like BIRDS-X DRAGONFLY pave the way for a future where space exploration plays an increasingly vital role in national development and global scientific collaboration.
The ongoing commitment to building indigenous space capabilities, coupled with strong international partnerships, positions Sri Lanka as a rapidly emerging force in the exciting realm of space technology. The successful deployment of DRAGONFLY today will undoubtedly ignite further interest and investment in the country’s space program, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers to reach for the stars.
