BGUSAT
 BGUSAT satellite mission patch | |
| Mission type | Earth observation Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | ISA/Ben-Gurion University of the Negev |
| COSPAR ID | 2017-008BD |
| SATCATno. | 41999 |
| Website | wwwee |
| Mission duration | 6 years and 9 days |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | IAI Ben-Gurion University of the Negev |
| Launch mass | 5 kilograms (11 lb)[1] |
| Dimensions | 30 x 10 x 10 cm (3U cubesat) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 15 February 2017, 03:58 UTC[2] |
| Rocket | PSLV-C37 |
| Launch site | Sriharikota Launching Range |
| Contractor | ISRO |
| Entered service | 15 February 2017, 03:58 UTC[2] |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 24 February 2023[3] |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | LEO |
| Perigee altitude | 505 km |
| Apogee altitude | 505 km |
BGUSATwas an Israeli researchCubeSatbuilt by theIAIandBen Gurion University.
Mission
[edit]BGUSAT was a research satellite designed to explore atmospheric and weather phenomena ininfra-redwavelengths, analyzing atmospheric gaseous contents and atmospheric glow.[1]As a student research satellite, it allowed the students to gain experience with the development and integration of a nano-satellite.
Satellite
[edit]The satellite was a basic 3U CubeSat (30 x 10 x 10 cm) with a mass of about 5 kg.[1] The onboard computer was a GR712RC designed by Ramon Chips and Cobham Gaisle.
The camera payload was a small camera, working in the wavelength of IR and NIR 1.7 - 1.55.[4] The ground station was operated by the researchers and students of Ben Gurion University.
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History
[edit]Originally calledNEGEVSAT,the project started as aBen Gurion Universitystudent project in 2008.[5]Originally planned as a 1U CubeSat (10 x 10 x 10 cm) the satellite was planned in conjunction of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.[6]The students worked on the design of the altitude and control system, the power system and ground station operations. After a few years, the project was put on hold due to lack of funding.
By 2013, the BGUSAT project was restarted. With the donation of Rachel and Max Javit from Connecticut, the satellite's design evolved to a 3U CubeSat (30x10x10 cm) with a small Earth observation camera.[7]The donation allowed also for a small GPS and communication device and initial ground station operations. Collaboration withIAIto use their CubeSat bus platform and a new on board computer.[1]
In addition, a sum of 1 Million NIS was dedicated by theIsraeli Space Agencyfor research and image processing of the images received from the satellite.[4]
BGUSAT was successfully launched on February 15, 2017, 03:58 UTC onPSLV-C37on a record-breaking launch which released 104 satellites.[8][2]The IsraeliDIDO-2nano-satellite was also launched in the same launch.
BGUSAT decayed from orbit on February 24, 2023.[3]
Mission patch
[edit]The mission patch was designed by Tal Inbar and Igal Gabai to look like the silhouette of the head ofDavid Ben-Gurion,surrounded by an orange lining representing theNegevarea. The satellite watches the Earth and Israel, while the blue glow represents the atmospheric studies. The constellationColumba(Dovein Hebrew) is shown representing peace as well as the launch date, February, in which Columba is clearly seen over the Israeli skies. The Israeli flag, Ben Gurion University's logo and the Israeli space agency's logos are clearly seen.
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^abcd"Israeli research nanosatellite BGUSAT to be launched this year (in Hebrew)".Israeli space Agency. January 19, 2017.Retrieved21 February2017.
- ^abc"Isro creates history, launches 104 satellites in one go".The Times of India.15 February 2017.Retrieved15 February2017.
- ^ab"BGUSAT".N2YO.24 February 2023.Retrieved4 March2023.
- ^ab"Call for proposal on research to be performed with the BGUSAT data to be launched at end of 2016 (in Hebrew)".Israeli space Agency. November 3, 2016.Retrieved21 February2017.
- ^"Scholarships for female students in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering for working on the NEGEVSAT satellite".January 26, 2011.Retrieved21 February2017.
- ^"BGUSat - PDR report, Forth year engineering project"(PDF).December 28, 2008. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 25 September 2017.Retrieved21 February2017.
- ^"New Satellite Will Be Israel's 'Eye' In The Sky".September 9, 2013.Retrieved21 February2017.
- ^Global, IndraStra."NEWS | India's ISRO Successfully Launched 104 Satellites in a Single Mission".IndraStra.ISSN2381-3652.