Tugsat-1 / Brite- Austria - the first Austrian Nanosatellite

Paper number

IAC-06-B5.2.06

Author

Prof. Otto Koudelka, Graz University of Technology, Austria

Year

2006

Abstract

In February 2006 the Austrian Aeronautics and Space Agency awarded a contract to Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) to build the first Austrian satellite. It is in the nanosatellite class with a mass of about 5 kg. The project is a challenging scientific and technological mission. The scientific purpose is an astronomy experiment (star camera) flown on a three-axis stabilised nanosatellite. The goal is to observe the variations of the brightness of massive stars (magnitude: +3.5) with high accuracy.  These massive luminous stars are among the least understood, because of their rapid rotation, strong radiation pressure and stellar wind. Using differential photometry brightness oscillations  shall be investigated. Astronomers expect to develop better models based on the  long-term observations. The nanosatellite utilizes improvements in 3-axis stability control to the level of 1 arc-minute, opening up for astronomy and future high-precision space missions a new domain of miniature, low-cost spacecraft. In addition, the satellite is planned to carry a GPS receiver and Laser retro-reflectors by which the spacecraft orbit can be precisely determined. TU Graz operates a Laser ranging station for more than 20 years. The project builds on the expertise of the successful Canadian CAN-X and MOST satellites. TU Graz, University of Vienna and TU Vienna cooperate in this project to design, build and test the first Austrian satellite. Close cooperation already exists with the University of Toronto, providing significant expertise in building and operating of small satellites. 
The duration of the development project is approximately 2 years. Launch is planned for 2008. The project will rely to a significant extent on students at the universities involved. This will enable students to get hands-on experience in the design, manufacturing, testing and operations of a spacecraft as well as management of space projects. The students will be supported by space experts in Graz and Vienna. The project management will be carried out by faculty and staff of the universities to ensure timeliness and sustainability. It is the aim to develop a nanonsatellite platform which may be used for a variety of technological and science missions in the future.

S-Band and UHF-Band ground terminals for receiving spacecraft data already exist in Graz, Vienna and Toronto.

The paper presents the outline design of the spacecraft, describes the scientific mission goals and elaborates on innovative transmission aspects (e.g. advanced synchronisation and coding techniques for future series of TUGSAT spacecraft).

Abstract document

IAC-06-B5.2.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B5.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.