ALMASat-1
ALMASat-1 (ALma MAter SATellite) was a micro satellite developed by University of Bologna for demonstrative purposes to benefit Earth observation missions. The project was funded by Italian Ministry of Research.[2]
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | University of Bologna |
| COSPAR ID | 2012-006B |
| SATCAT no. | 38078 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 12.5 kilograms (28 lb) |
| Dimensions | 30 centimetres (12 in) cube |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 13 February 2012, 10:00:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Vega |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-1 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 25 April 2020 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 311 kilometres (193 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 1,250 kilometres (780 mi) |
| Inclination | 69.5 degrees |
| Period | 100.32 minutes |
| Epoch | 19 December 2013, 04:49:04 UTC[1] |
About the satellite
The satellite was made from high quality aluminium and reinforced with eight stainless steel plates. Solar cells were mounted on four sides of satellite for providing the power required for satellite operation.
Mission
The work on development of ALMASat was started in 2003. It was expected to be launched into orbit on a Dnepr rocket. Later it was launched by Vega launch vehicle with other satellites on board.
The ALMASat-1 was a microsatellite having a cuboidal structure, meant for a demo purpose, it accommodated payloads of different sizes and power requirements. The main purpose of ALMASat-1 was to test the 3-axis pointing accuracy for the future satellite launches.[3]
Launch
ALMASAT-1 was launched by Vega launch system on February 13, 2012, from Kourou, French Guiana.
Re-entry
ALMASAT-1 decayed from orbit 25 April 2020.
References
- "ALMASAT-1 Satellite details 2012-006B NORAD 38078". N2YO. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- NASA data centre
- ALMASAT statistics