ZA-AeroSat (QB50-AZ01)

Launch data: Designation  42713 / 98067LU Launch date  18 Apr 2017 - 15:11 UT Launch site  CC, SLC-41 Launch vehicle  Atlas V-401 Mission  Space Science Launch platform  ISS Kibo, LEO Deployment date  18 May 2017 - 01:00 UT Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee  400 x 404 km Inclination   51.6° Period  92.5 min

Description:

• 2U QB50-AZ01, from Cubespace in Stellenbosch, S. Africa, a spinoff company from Stellenbosch University which built 2 previous South African sats.
• The satellite carries four feather communication antennas, which are also used for passive aerodynamic stabilisation. An active momentum wheel and magnetic stabilisation control system will be used to damp the aerodynamic oscillations and reduce the attitude disturbances.
• The satellite will use magnetic sensors and actuators to do initial detumbling into a Y-Thompson spin after release from its deployer. After a set time after release, all deployables, including the antennas, will deploy. The satellite will then start transmitting a beacon, and start listening for communication from a groundstation. When the appropriate command is received, the satellite will activate its full suite of sensors and actuators to orientate itself in the RAM direction. During this process the spin the satellite contains in the Y-axis, is absorbed into a momentum wheel, which then provides the stabilized satellite with a momentum bias. At this point the QB50 science payload will be activated and occasionally the payload star camera will be tested. In the case of a fault in the communications is detected throughout the mission, the secondary communications unit will be activated. Science data, telemetry data, as well as images captured by the star and Nadir cameras will be sent to the ground station with each communications opportunity.

External links:

• Amsatuk.me: Satellite Information