Mission type Technology Dry mass 3.9 kilograms (8.6 lb) | Operator Aalto University Mission duration ~2 years Rocket Falcon 9 v1.2 | |
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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, though it was delayed to autumn 2015, later to May 2016 and finally to the end of 2016 . Upon its launch, it will become Finland's first indigenously-produced satellite.
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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. The study was followed by the publication of a preliminary design in 2011. A critical design review of the satellite was conducted in 2012. In all, over 80 students of Aalto University's School of Electrical Engineering were involved in the project.
Design
The solar-powered CubeSat-based satellite will weigh approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 lb), and will carry a miniature Fabry-Pérot spectrometer, designed by VTT Technical Research Centre. The satellite incorporates a modified electrostatic motor (dubbed a "brake tether"), which is designed to deorbit it at the end of its operational lifespan, with the intent of avoiding the creation of space junk.
Launch
Aalto-1 is to be launched in the beginning of 2017 by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.