SciSat 1

Canada


International Sat. n°:

Canadian satellite n°: 28

Science Satellite 1

Launch data:

Designation27858 / 03036A
Launch date13 Aug 2003 - 02:09:33 UT
Launch site Va, L-1011 RW3
Launch vehicle  Pegasus XL (#35)
MissionScientific: High Atmospheric science
Earth orbit:
Perigee/Apogee 642 km
Inclination 73.9°
Period 97.7 min

First Canadian scientific satellite since 1971. For the Canadian Space Agency

To study the chemical and dynamic processes that control the distribution of ozone in the upper troposphere and stratosphere.


Specifications:

Prime contractorBristol Aerospace Lmt (Winnipeg, Canada)
Platform 
Operator CSA
Mass at launch 152 kg
Mass in orbit  
Payload mass 47 kg
Dimension 
Equipment ACE-FTS, MAESTRO
Solar arraysingle panel
StabilizationSpin stabilized sun pointing
DC power 70 W
Design lifetime > 2 years

The satellite will be carrying a customised Canadian-built Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), built by ABB Bomem, as part of the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) mission, which will run at least two years. The telescope is pointed at the setting or rising Sun so that the long horizontal path in the atmosphere maximizes the absorption at the (ozone) bands of interest. During the progression of the Sunrise/set, the data contains decipherable information on the vertical distribution of the ozone molecule.

A second instrument, built by EMS Technologies, Measurements of Aerosol Extinction in the Stratosphere and Troposphere Retrieved by Occultation (MAESTRO), will also fly on the satellite. In addition to providing a spectrum of sunlight at the rising and setting positions, it will also enable derivation of the atmospheric extinction due to aerosols and dust.

Will monitor the atmospheric ozone and dust composition in the 4-100 km altitude range.

1.5 GB onboard memory.

Ref: #7, #14 - update: 19.09.11