BLUEsat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

BLUEsat is an innovative low cost micro-satellite being built by students at UNSW. The satellite is scheduled to be completed and ready for launch by the end of 2008. BLUEsat has two main functionalities: · Primary: to provide a packet-store-and-forward service to the worldwide amateur radio community. · Secondary: to test an experimental GPS Algorithm developed by the Satellite Navigation and Positioning (SNAP) Group at the University of New South Wales. BLUEsat’s specifications are as follows: · Low Earth Orbit · 250mm cube · 2 VHF (145Mhz) receivers · 2 UHF (432Mhz) transmitters · 6 panels of 14 solar cells · 2 battery packs · 133 MHz Flight Computer · Global Positioning System

BLUEsat enjoys the continued support of many schools and faculties at UNSW such as the School of Electrical Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineer and Manufacturing. Other organisation and companies have also contributed in both financial and in-kind sponsorship.

Currently, BLUEsat is working on the construction of the ‘flatsat’ (see above) which is an integration of all the electronic components of the satellite. Work on the ‘flatsat’ is due to complete sometime in early 2007.

BLUEsat has 30 active members and 35 commercial sponsors