EduSAT

EduSAT is an Italian microsatellite which was launched in August 2011. The satellite was built and is operated by the Sapienza University of Rome in conjunction with the Italian Space Agency ASI, and is primarily used for educational outreach and technology demonstration.[4][5]

This article is about the Italian microsatellite. For the Indian communications satellite, see GSAT-3. For other uses, see Edusat.
EduSAT
Mission typeTechnology
Educational outreach
OperatorASI
Sapienza
COSPAR ID2011-044A
SATCAT no.37788
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerSapienza
Launch mass10 kilograms (22 lb)[1]
Start of mission
Launch date17 August 2011, 07:12:20 (2011-08-17UTC07:12:20Z) UTC[2]
RocketDnepr
Launch siteDombarovsky 370/13
ContractorKosmtras
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeSun-synchronous
Perigee altitude644 kilometres (400 mi)
Apogee altitude699 kilometres (434 mi)
Inclination98.20 degrees
Period98.04 minutes
Epoch22 November 2013, 05:10:16 UTC[3]
 

EduSAT is a 10-kilogram (22 lb) satellite,[1] measuring 31.5 by 31.5 by 26.0 centimetres (12.4 in × 12.4 in × 10.2 in).[4] The spacecraft is powered by surface-mounted solar cells. It carries an experimental analogue sun sensor, a magnetometer and a temperature sensor. The satellite also tested a prototype PocketQube deployer and a passive deorbit mechanism. As of September 2013 it remained operational.[1]

EduSAT was launched aboard a Dnepr carrier rocket from Site 370/13 at the Dombarovsky launch site in Russia. The launch was conducted by Kosmotras with liftoff occurring at 07:12:20 on 17 August 2011. The rocket carried six other satellites, with an additional payload bolted to the upper stage.[6] The satellite was placed into a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit. As of 22 November 2013 it was in an orbit with a perigee of 644 kilometres (400 mi), an apogee of 699 kilometres (434 mi), 98.20 degrees inclination and a period of 98.04 minutes.[3]

References
  1. "UCS Satellite Database". Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  2. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  3. "EDUSAT Satellite details 2011-044A NORAD 37788". N2YO. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  4. "EduSat". eoPortal Directory. European Space Agency. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  5. "EduSAT project". Agenzia Spaziale Italiana. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  6. Krebs, Gunter. "EDUSAT". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 November 2013.


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