ROBUSTA
 | |
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | Centre Spatial Universitaire Montpellier-Nîmes |
| COSPAR ID | 2012-006H |
| SATCAT № | 38084 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | 1U CubeSat |
| Launch mass | 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 13 February 2012, 10:00:00 UTC[1] |
| Rocket | Vega |
| Launch site | Kourou ELV |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee | 302 kilometres (188 mi) |
| Apogee | 1,089 kilometres (677 mi) |
| Inclination | 69.47 degrees |
| Period | 98.54 minutes |
| Epoch | 31 October 2013, 04:52:30 UTC[2] |
ROBUSTA (Radiation on Bipolar Test for University Satellite Application) is a nano-satellite scientific experiment developed by University of Montpellier II as part of a National Center for Space Studies (CNES) initiative to develop ideas for student projects in the field of orbital systems.
The satellite is defined as a Cubesat, the name given to a series of nano-satellites developed as part of student projects. The ROBUSTA mission is to check the deterioration of electronic components, based on bipolar transistors, when exposed to in-flight space radiation. The results of the experiment will be used to validate a test method proposed in the laboratory.
Implementation of the project
The duration of the ROBUSTA project is 6 years, beginning in 2006. The satellite was launched on February 13, 2012 with the first Vega, and the end-of-life is expected to be in 2015.
Quoting the official ROBUSTA website: "Faint signals were heard after launch on the 13th of february. A few days after launch no more signals were received: after investigation an anomaly was detected on the system of battery recharge. This anomaly will be corrected on the future satellite models."
The staff
ROBUSTA is a federative project, as it allows CNES and several teams from the University of Montpellier II to work together. These teams are spread over several sites:
- The mechanical design, is located at the IUT GMP of Nîmes;
- Energy management is in the IUT GEII of Nîmes;
- The ground segment and communication cards are supported by the IUP PGII Montpellier.
- The controller card is studied by Polytech Montpellier and IUT GEII Montpellier
- The card experience is managed by the department of Montpellier II with the whole EEA
References
- Notes
- ↑ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ Peat, Chris (31 October 2013). "ROBUSTA - Orbit". Heavens Above. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- Bibliography
- Wallonie Espace (French)
- Cubesat information
- Site officiel de ROBUSTA (English)
- Site de l'Université de Montpellier II (French)
- Site du CNES
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