Then and Now: From INTASAT to Mini and Nanosatellites
- Paper number
IAC-06-E4.4.06
- Author
Mr. Jose Torres, Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aerospacial (INTA), Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Inocencio Tato, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The INTASAT project began in 1968, and the satellite was launched in November, 1974. During that time the project survived interruptions, redefinitions and changes in the industrial organization. The project was a success, and the life cycle of the system ended in 1976, when a timer fulfilled its intended function and switched off the spacecraft transmitters. The paper, an historical review, describes first the guidelines and the details of the electronic design of the INTASAT satellite and stresses the importance of the open, no information withdrawn, characteristics of the project management. This resulted in a very cooperative and relaxed relationship between INTA, as prime contractor, and the participating industries with a remarkable lack of conflicts. The paper includes: • The description of the system specification and objectives and the consideration of the factors specific to this project which affected most the design philosophy such as the theoretical and technical expertise, within INTA and the Spanish aerospace industry at that time, the availability of electronic parts and materials, and the limitation of the available technologies • The approach to the definition of the design specifications and constraints, the supervision of the design activities and the inspection procedures. • A short description of the electronics system. The second part of the paper deals with the history of space projects at INTA from INATASAT to mini and nanosatellites. Although small satellites have played an important role from the beginning of the space era, in particular for technology and scientific missions, the miniaturization of electronics, the development of new components and materials more efficient and lighter, are enabling an increased number of applications of these class of satellites, with outstanding performances. Spain and in particular INTA, have promoted the development and applications of micro and minisatellites since the very beginning and recently the nanosatellites follow. In 1997 a scientific mission was accomplished with MINISAT, a 200 Kg minisatellite. In 2004 was launched NANOSAT, presently in orbit operation, aimed at technology demonstration and store and forward communications.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E4.4.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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