ALMASat-1
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | University of Bologna |
| COSPAR ID | 2012-006B |
| SATCAT no. | 38078 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 12.5 kilograms (28 lb) |
| Dimensions | 30 centimetres (12 in) cube |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 13 February 2012, 10:00:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Vega |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-1 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 311 kilometres (193 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 1,250 kilometres (780 mi) |
| Inclination | 69.5 degrees |
| Period | 100.32 minutes |
| Epoch | 19 December 2013, 04:49:04 UTC[1] |
ALMASat-1(ALma MAter SATellite) is a micro satellite developed by University of Bologna for demonstrative purposes which will be helpful for earth observation missions. The project is funded by Italian Ministry of Research.[2]
About the Satellite
The satellite has been made from high quality aluminum and reinforced with eight stainless steel plates. Solar cells are mounted on four sides of satellite for providing the power required for satellite operation.
Mission
The work on development of ALMASat was started in 2003. It was expected to be launched into orbit Dnepr rocket. Later it was launched by Vega launch vehicle with other satellites on board. The ALMASat-1 is a microsatellite having a cuboidal structure, meant for a demo purpose, it accommodates payloads of different sizes and power requirements. The main purpose of ALMASat-1 is to test the 3-axis pointing accuracy for the future satellite launches.[3]
Launch
ALMASAT-1 was launched by Vega launch system on February 13, 2012 from Kourou, French Guiana
References
- ^ "ALMASAT-1 Satellite details 2012-006B NORAD 38078". N2YO. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ NASA data centre
- ^ ALMASAT statistics