Session
Technical Session III: Systems/Buses
Abstract
The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation of North America (AMSAT-NA) is pioneering a new, small satellite bus concept known as "Microsat." The product is roughly a nine inch cube, exclusive of antennas, with five sub-assemblies. Four are standard: radio transmitter(s), radio receiver(s), power system, and onboard computer. The fifth module is reserved for payload or special application hardware. Design goals dictate that the cost of the satellites and the cost and complexity of ground terminals be minimized. Satellite software is also standardized. Applications can be prototyped on common personal computers. The four development Microsats will be in the Amateur Radio Service. They have payloads that include an FM voice transmitter, a TV camera, electronic mailboxes, a microwave transmitter, and a beacon transmitting Morse Code.
MICROSAT: A New, Small Satellite Bus Concept
The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation of North America (AMSAT-NA) is pioneering a new, small satellite bus concept known as "Microsat." The product is roughly a nine inch cube, exclusive of antennas, with five sub-assemblies. Four are standard: radio transmitter(s), radio receiver(s), power system, and onboard computer. The fifth module is reserved for payload or special application hardware. Design goals dictate that the cost of the satellites and the cost and complexity of ground terminals be minimized. Satellite software is also standardized. Applications can be prototyped on common personal computers. The four development Microsats will be in the Amateur Radio Service. They have payloads that include an FM voice transmitter, a TV camera, electronic mailboxes, a microwave transmitter, and a beacon transmitting Morse Code.
