Share the publish “Satellite’s progress is out of this world”
It’s been six months for the reason that Buccaneer Main Mission satellite tv for pc was launched into low-Earth orbit and the workforce at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is thrilled with its progress.
CAPTION: Self-image of Defence Science and Technology Group’s nanosatellite, Buccaneer Main Mission, utilizing its secondary system – the Manoeuvrable Antenna and Terrestrial Imaging System. Story by Emma Thompson.
Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test Lead, Paul Alvino stated since then, Buccaneer Main Mission has been “kicking goals”.
“It’s demonstrated all of its primary experimental objectives, and is currently working through its secondary objectives,” Mr Alvino stated.
The absolutely operational nanosatellite, referred to as a CubeSat, is gathering high-frequency measurements to higher perceive radio-frequency propagation via the ionosphere.
The workforce at DSTG, primarily based in South Australia, has been holding an in depth eye on the nanosatellite’s progress because it orbits the Earth about 13 instances a day.
CAPTION: Antenna characterisation testing of Defence Science and Technology Group nanosatellite, Buccaneer Main Mission, with absolutely deployed high-frequency antenna in REDARC’s anechoic chamber.
Just a month after launch, Buccaneer’s major system efficiently deployed a 3.2m cross-shaped antenna – an antenna system that Primary System Lead Mark Jessop stated was greater than 10 instances the size of the nanosatellite itself.
The workforce has now carried out greater than 60 information collections utilizing Buccaneer’s digital high-frequency receiver.
“Very recently, the primary system also performed an on-orbit firmware update, enabling us to perform additional experimental activities, and demonstrating how configurable these nanosatellite systems can be to adapt to Defence needs,” Mr Jessop stated.
Buccaneer was launched throughout a photo voltaic most interval, which means the radiation atmosphere was at its harshest level in an 11-year photo voltaic cycle.
During its six months of operation, the nanosatellite has skilled not less than 10 radiation-induced anomalies.
“All of these radiation events were detected by the satellite, reported to operators, and recovered,” Mr Alvino stated.
“We made sure the component we were sending up to space would survive the environment, and implemented various hardware and software mitigation strategies to ensure that radiation errors were corrected automatically.”
CAPTION: The Defence Science and Technology Group workforce with nanosatellite, Buccaneer Main Mission, which is at present in low-Earth orbit.
One of Buccaneer Main Mission’s secondary methods is the Manoeuvrable Antenna and Terrestrial Imaging System (MANTIS).
The distinctive sovereign system contains a re-deployable scissor-arm that holds a rotatable dual-surface mirror; with a convex aspect for self-imaging and a flat aspect for Earth-imaging – to place it merely, meaning Buccaneer is outfitted with a selfie-stick.
In August, MANTIS was deployed for the primary time from the CubeSat, and utilizing its liquid lens for adjustable focusing, the DSTG workforce captured a number of self-images of the satellite tv for pc.
“This marks the first known successful use of a liquid lens in space, and we could not be more excited with the results,” Mr Alvino stated.
The exploration of these deployable elements permits smaller and extra versatile methods – vital for small satellites with tight mass, quantity and energy constraints.
Buccaneer Main Mission is now pursuing stretch targets, and positioning Defence on the Australian forefront of area engineering.
CAPTION: The south-Australian shoreline and the Great Australian Bight captured by Defence Science and Technology Group nanosatellite, Buccaneer Main Mission.
.
.
.
.
Share the publish “Satellite’s progress is out of this world”
57 Total Views 57 Views Today