Aalto-1

Aalto-1 is a Finnish research nanosatellite, created by students of Aalto University. Based on the CubeSat architecture, it was originally scheduled to be launched in 2013, it was launched on 23 June 2017. It is Finland's first student satellite project and indigenously produced satellite.[1] As of 2021, the satellite is operational.[2]

Aalto-1
Aalto-1 flight model in March 2016.
Mission typeTechnology demonstration
OperatorAalto University
COSPAR ID2017-036L
SATCAT no.42775
Websitewiki.aalto.fi/display/SuomiSAT/Aalto-1+nanosatellite+project
Mission duration2 years (planned)
6 years, 4 months and 2 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeCubeSat
Bus3U CubeSat
ManufacturerAalto University
Launch mass4 kg (8.8 lb)
Dimensions10 × 10 × 34 cm (3.9 × 3.9 × 13.4 in)
Power4.8 watts
Start of mission
Launch date23 June 2017, 03:59 UTC
RocketPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C38)
Launch siteSatish Dhawan Space Centre, First Launch Pad (FLP)
ContractorIndian Space Research Organisation
Entered service24 July 2017 (first image)
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude505 km (314 mi)
Apogee altitude505 km (314 mi)
Inclination97.44°
Period90.0 minutes
Instruments
Imaging Fabry-Pérot Spectrometer
Compact Radiation Monitor
Electrostatic Plasma Brake
Aalto nanosatellite Series
 
Artist's impression of Aalto-1 releasing its electrostatic plasma brake tether.

Project history

The Aalto-1 project began in 2010 with a feasibility study, which was conducted as part of a university course on space technology.[3] The study was followed by the publication of a preliminary design in 2011.[3] A critical design review (CDR) of the satellite was conducted in 2012.[3] In all, over 80 students of Aalto University's School of Electrical Engineering were involved in the project.[4]

Design

The solar-powered CubeSat – based satellite will weigh approximately 4 kg (8.8 lb),[3] and has 3 main payloads: a miniature Fabry-Pérot spectrometer, designed by VTT Technical Research Centre,[5] a RADMON-radiation detector developed by University of Helsinki and University of Turku for the study of solar wind conditions in the Earth orbit (and to study the radiation environment in general), and an electric sail (dubbed a "brake tether"), which is designed for an atmospheric entry at the end of its 2-year operational lifespan,[6] with the intent of avoiding the creation of space junk.[3]

Launch

Originally the satellite was to be launched by a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, but the launcher suffered multiple delays due to the accidents that plagued the Falcon 9 in 2015 and 2016. The launch was removed from the Falcon 9, and Aalto-1 was launched on 23 June 2017 by PSLV-C38 launch vehicle from India.

References
  1. "The Finnish student satellite project". aalto1.fi. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  2. "Mission and Science Results". Aalto University. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  3. "Aalto-1 – Summary". aalto.fi. 2012. Archived from the original on 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  4. "Finland's first satellite heads for space in early 2017's". aalto1.fi. 27 December 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  5. "Aalto-1, the Finnish student satellite". SouthgateARC. 17 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 November 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  6. Aalto-1: The Finnish Student Nanosatellite eoPortal Directory
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