UiTMSAT-1
UiTMSAT-1 is a Malaysian nanosatellite, built primarily by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as part of the multi-nation Birds-2 project. The 1U CubeSat was launched into space in June 2018 and deployed from the ISS in August.
Mission type | Technology demonstration |
---|---|
Operator | Universiti Teknologi MARA |
COSPAR ID | 1998-067PD |
SATCAT no. | 43589 |
Website | birds2 |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | 1U CubeSat |
BOL mass | 1 kg (2.2 lb) |
Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 10 cm |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 09:42, June 29, 2018 (UTC) |
Rocket | Falcon 9 Full Thrust |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-40 |
Contractor | SpaceX |
Deployed from | ISS |
Deployment date | 10 August 2018 |
Orbital parameters | |
Regime | Low Earth |
Semi-major axis | 6773 km[1] |
Perigee altitude | 398.6 km |
Apogee altitude | 407.2 km |
Inclination | 51.6° |
Period | 92.5 minutes |
2nd Joint Global Multination Birds Project |
Background
Malaysia has had several satellites in orbit, beginning with the MEASAT constellation, first operational in 1996. Their first microsatellite, TiungSat-1, was launched in 2000.[2]
Development
Planning for the mission began in December 2016 at the Kyushu Institute of Technology. UiTM postgraduate students Syazana Basyirah Mohammad Zaki and Muhammad Hasif Azami developed the satellite over a 19-month period and collaborated with eight other students from the Philippines, Bhutan, and Japan. This collaboration also inspired the creation of a new Communication Satellite Centre at UiTM.[3]
Objectives
- Demonstrate an Automatic Packet Reporting System Digipeater to communicate with amateur radio stations
- Detect a specific type of solar radiation called "single event latch-up"
- Measure magnetic fields through the use of an Anisotropic Magneto Resistance Magnetometer
- Act as an Earth Imaging Camera[3]
Launch and mission
UiTMSAT-1 was launched to space on 29 June 2018 via the Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket at Cape Canaveral in Florida, United States as part of the SpaceX CRS-15 Commercial Resupply Service mission.[3] Maya-1 and BHUTAN-1, which were also developed under the Birds-2 project, were among the payload of the rocket.[4] All three nanosatellites were deployed from the ISS and achieved orbit on 10 August 2018.[5][6]
References
- "BIRD-MY (UiTMSAT-1)". N2YO.com.
- "Satellite Industry Developments" (PDF). Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 2008. pp. 28–29. ISSN 1985-0522.
- Mustafa, Zulita. "UiTMSAT-1 puts Malaysia at the final frontier". New Straits Times. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- Panela, Shaira (29 June 2018). "Philippines launches 1st CubeSat into space". Rappler. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- "PH CUBESAT MAYA-1 Successfully Deployed to Space". Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. August 31, 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- Bernama (August 11, 2018). "UiTM creates history with launch of satellite into orbit". New Straits Times.