SpinSat to deploy from ISS

SpinSat to deploy from ISS

SpinSat was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 21 with deployment planned to take place from the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) in the Fall.

Masahiro Arai JN1GKZ has reported that a small satellite, which is possibly SpinSat, is expected to be deployed from the airlock of the JEM on Friday, November 28. Preparation work for the deployment should take place on November 26 and 27.

Developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) SpinSat is a 56 cm sphere weighing 57 kg that has 12 Electronically-controlled Solid Propellant (ESP) thrusters spread in pairs throughout the surface of the satellite. They will be fired in pairs to spin the spacecraft. With just primary batteries and only 4.8 grams of fuel this phase may last between three to six months.

The spacecraft will be used to calibrate the space surveillance network. Lasers will be fired at SpinSat from the ground, the light reflected back will be measured to determine where in time and space the satellite is passing overhead. SpinSat will also model the density of the atmosphere.

The IARU Satellite Frequency Coordination Panel report that SpinSat carries a 2 watt RF output 9600 bps AX.25 packet radio store and forward system on 437.230 MHz.

Read all about SpinSat at
http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/news-...tellite-in-space-with-new-thruster-technology

NASA – SpinSat
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/
experiments/1019.html







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