STEM Club

Decode the Signal” was an immersive team-based challenge that placed 54 participants in a simulated space crisis scenario. Acting as mission control, teams worked to recover the malfunctioning VAYU-1 satellite, through a series of technical tasks that mirrored real-world space operations.

The event began with a cipher decoding task using Caesar encryption, which led to the determination of the satellite’s coordinates. Teams then interpreted orbital data to trace the satellite’s path and match it to nearby tracking stations. In the next round, they analyzed audio Morse code and visual clues, identifying a subsystem power failure through careful signal decoding.

The final stage required teams to present a recovery report, detailing the cause of the failure and proposing a technical rescue and prevention plan. This encouraged structured thinking and real-time problem solving.

Overall, “Lost Satellite: Decode the Signal” provided a unique and immersive learning environment, blending space science, encryption, signal processing, and team dynamics into a cohesive and memorable experience. Participants not only honed their technical skills but also gained valuable insight into the complexities of satellite operations and the importance of collaboration in mission-critical scenarios.