A state-of-the-art miniature satellite that will play an important role in developing Australian Defence space capability is ready for launch into orbit after successfully passing gruelling tests that simulate the harsh environment of space.
A team of space engineers from UNSW Canberra (the University of New South Wales' campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy) and Defence Science and Technology Group, put the satellite through its paces in 24/7 thermal cycling, with the help of spacecraft test engineers from the Australian National University at the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre on Mt Stromlo.
"The cubesat that we tested is the first of two in a joint program called Buccaneer to build Australian capability to develop and fly satellite missions," says Professor Russell Boyce, Director of UNSW Canberra Space.
Buccaneer will perform calibration experiments for Australia's world-leading over-horizon Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) from Low Earth Orbit, several hundred kilometres above the surface of the Earth.
Buccaneer will also contribute to aspects of UNSW Canberra Space's research program, looking at ways to more accurately predict the orbits of space objects.
Read the full story at SpaceDaily