A Perth-based miniature satellite maker has worked with the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at the University of Western Australia to trial a satellite deployment system on in zero gravity.
ICRAR UWA research Dr Danail Obreschkow boarded a special parabolic flight operated by the European Space Agency, and in near weightless conditions, used a custom-built, handheld device designed by Picosat Systems to show that their satellite deployment system could release a miniature satellite in near weightlessness conditions.
Picosat Systems is looking to put miniature satellites into space by 2019, and this trial of their mechanics is a major step.
According to Dr Obreschow, the parabolic flight is the only way to perform tests in microgravity situations without going through lengthy astronaut-training and boarding the International Space Station.
“The handheld deployer worked perfectly, producing only a small wobble as the satellite’s antenna unfolded and almost no rotation at all—exactly what you want when it comes to the real thing,” he said.
Australia is ramping up its involvement in the space industry, with the announcement of an Australian Space Agency recently at the International Astronoautical Congress in Adelaide.
Picosat Systems, a small satellite solutions provider, aims to reduce the barriers to space flight by lowering the costs associated with putting something in orbit around Earth. Its pico-satellite, called OzQub-1, is a low-cost unit which weighs less than a kilogram, and could conceivably be deployed in large numbers.
The co-founder and chief executive of Picosat Systems is Conrad Pires, the ability to test their satellite deployment system on board a Zero-G flight allowed the company to prove that the design works, and help with further engineering refinements.
“When we put our OzQube satellites into orbit, the last thing we want to happen is for them to get trapped or damaged as they’re ejected from the launch vehicle—so the design of the deployment system is absolutely key to our success,” Pires said.
Picosat Systems’ satellite platform could be used for imaging the Earth, and providing communications support for industries such as resources, agriculture and defence.
[The OzQub-1 satellite.]