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 |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 25 April 2020 |
| 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) was a micro satellite developed by University of Bologna for demonstrative purposes to benefit Earth observation missions. The project was funded by Italian Ministry of Research.[2]
About the satellite
[edit]The satellite was made from high-quality aluminium and reinforced with eight stainless steel plates. Solar cells were mounted on four sides of satellite for providing the power required for satellite operation.
Mission
[edit]The work on development of ALMASat was started in 2003. It was expected to be launched into orbit on a Dnepr rocket. Later it was launched by Vega launch vehicle with other satellites on board.
The ALMASat-1 was a microsatellite having a cuboidal structure, meant for a demo purpose, it accommodated payloads of different sizes and power requirements. The main purpose of ALMASat-1 was to test the 3-axis pointing accuracy for the future satellite launches.[3]
Launch
[edit]ALMASAT-1 was launched by Vega launch system on February 13, 2012, from Kourou, French Guiana.
Re-entry
[edit]ALMASAT-1 decayed from orbit 25 April 2020.
References
[edit]- ^ "ALMASAT-1 Satellite details 2012-006B NORAD 38078". N2YO. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ NASA data centre
- ^ ALMASAT statistics
