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30 Oct 2018

Belarusian State University launches its own satellite

Belarusian State University launches its own satellite
Photo courtesy of BSU

MINSK, 30 October (BelTA) – The BSU Sat-1 satellite of Belarusian State University has been successfully launched to operate in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 500km. It is Belarus’ first student satellite and the third Belarusian facility in Low Earth Orbit. The information about the launch was posted on the official website of the Belarusian university, BelTA has learned.

BSU Sat-1 was launched by a Chinese satellite launch vehicle on 29 October, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. Steady communication has been established and is being maintained with the satellite, with all its systems functioning well. Being quite compact, weighing about 1.6 kg, the satellite has all the features of big multi-purpose satellites: it is equipped with energy saving, control, orientation, stabilization, and telecommunication systems, with a complex of technological and research payload. The satellite has a digital camera, a spectrum system, an infrared detector and other special-purpose equipment.

The software for the satellite was developed by the BSU scientists. The flight program was elaborated taking into account technical specifications of the satellite launch vehicle, the satellite servicing platform and the satellite’s tasks.

The university satellite is set to address a broad spectrum of tasks. It will study and research radiation fields of the near Earth space and radiation hardness of electronic elements, and will do Earth remote sensing. Satellites of this class can be used as a flying educational laboratory for students. Using ground systems for data control, receipt and processing, students can study space technology and carry out research in real-time mode. Apart from that, students have already received unique experience of full-cycle development, creation and use of their own spacecraft taking an active part in its development.

Students and teachers of the university will hear the first call signals from the satellite on 30 October, the day when the university marks its birthday. The device will fly over the territory of Belarus 6 times a day.

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