Rubin 2

Launch data: Designation 27605 / 02058A Launch date 20 Dec 2002 - 17:00 UT Launch site  B, LC109/95 Launch vehicle  Dnepr (#3) Mission Technology Sun-synchronous Earth orbit: Perigee/Apogee 650 km, sun synchronous Inclination 65° Period 98 min

Credit: ISC Kosmotras

Specifications

Description:

• RUBIN-2 - ORBITAL TELEMATICS:
  • The core experiment to be carried out by the satellite concerns OHB RUBIN-2 communications box, which enables satellites to be tracked in orbit without any interruptions. Until now, it has only been possible to contact satellites while they fly over a ground station. What makes RUBIN-2 so special is that it can report key status parameters at all times on a near real-time basis. At the same time, it can accept real-time commands. With this advanced technology, it will be possible to control orbiting satellites more effectively and quickly in the future.
  • RUBIN-2 uses the ORBCOMM network comprising 30 satellites to ensure interruption-free communications with the earth. In this way, it is possible to transmit telegram-style messages. In order to send and receive longer reports, OHB-SYSTEM has additionally developed the SAFIR-M communications payload in conjunction with Arbeitskreis Amateurfunk in der Schule e.V. AATiS and students at the Pforzheim College of Technology.
• SAFIR-M:
  SAFIR-M is a communications system for amateur radio users and students capable of storing and transmitting greater volumes of data such as voice mail. Whereas RUBIN-2 emits messages and receives commands in telegram style, SAFIR-M can store and transmit lengthier messages around the world. The system marks a continuation of the technology implemented in the SAFIR-1 and the SAFIR-2 communications satellite, which are already successfully orbiting in space for the OHB Group.
  It was built by the German amateur radio association "AATiS e.V." (German acronym for "Arbeitskreis Amateurfunk und Telekommunikation in der Schule", which means: 'working group for amateur radio and telecommunications in schools'). It is designed as a "store and broadcast" system for APRS based messages, dedicated for the use of schools in combination with the existing WX-Net and planned buoy experiments in Germany.
• ORBITAL CONTROL EXPERIMENT:
  The Italian space company CARLO GAVAZZI SPACE is testing the controlling electronics systems for an ion drive for satellites on board Rubin-2. This entails a control system for electric thrusters in which the particles of an electromagnetic field are expelled at the speed of light to achieve a longer drive time. This new technology is particularly important for interplanetary missions as it will, for example, allow Mars to be reached more quickly. As well as this, the ionic drive is far more environmentally friendly and inexpensive as solar cells are used as a source of energy in space.
• LITHIUM CELLS:
  US company Eagle Pitcher is supplying Carlo Gavazzi Space, Milan, with a lithium battery for testing purposes. Although these small light cells have proven their merits in mobile communications, they have so far not been tested in space. So that more can be learnt about how this material behaves in gravity-free conditions, the battery will be powering the Italian experiments on board the satellite during the mission.
• GPS RECEIVER AND SILICON CELLS:
  Carlo Gavazzi Space is also supplying a GPS receiver optimized for use on mini satellites. The less expensive and smaller version of the receiver will be tested on Rubin-2 to determine its viability in the future as a compact technology for use with mini-satellites. Similarly, inexpensive standard silicon cells will also be tested to determine their suitability for use in space.
• Uplink at 435.275 MHz (1200 baud AFSK) and Downlink at 145.825 MHz (9600 baud FSK)