Session
Technical Session I: New Hardware In Space
Abstract
South Africa's first satellite, SUNSAT, has been operating in orbit since a NASA-sponsored launch on the USA Air Force P91-1 Argos Delta II mission on February 23, 1999. SUNSAT is a graduate studentdeveloped satellite from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, and includes a NASA GPS receiver for occultation research, laser reflectors, magnetometers, star cameras, Amateur Radio communications, and a 15-m resolution, 3456 pixel, 3-band, stereo-capable push broom imager. SUNSAT is controlled from the University, and most functions were operating in June 1999. Live PAL TV earth images are received well at Stellenbosch on a 4.5 m diameter antenna, and good quality test images from the 15m imager have been obtained. As OSCAR- 35 (SO-35), SUNSATs Amateur Radio FM audio transponders provided strong signals on scheduled passes over South Africa and the USA.
SUNSAT - Launch and First Six Month's Orbital Performance
South Africa's first satellite, SUNSAT, has been operating in orbit since a NASA-sponsored launch on the USA Air Force P91-1 Argos Delta II mission on February 23, 1999. SUNSAT is a graduate studentdeveloped satellite from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, and includes a NASA GPS receiver for occultation research, laser reflectors, magnetometers, star cameras, Amateur Radio communications, and a 15-m resolution, 3456 pixel, 3-band, stereo-capable push broom imager. SUNSAT is controlled from the University, and most functions were operating in June 1999. Live PAL TV earth images are received well at Stellenbosch on a 4.5 m diameter antenna, and good quality test images from the 15m imager have been obtained. As OSCAR- 35 (SO-35), SUNSATs Amateur Radio FM audio transponders provided strong signals on scheduled passes over South Africa and the USA.
