NEE-01 PEGASUS: The first Ecuadorian Satellite

Paper number

IAC-11,B4,1,6,x10055

Author

Mr. Ronnie Nader, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Coauthor

Mr. Hector Carrion, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Coauthor

Mr. Sidney Drouet, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Coauthor

Mr. Manuel Uriguen, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Coauthor

Mr. Ricardo Allu, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Coauthor

Dr. Gonzalo Naranjo, Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA), Ecuador

Year

2011

Abstract

\begin{center}On April 2010 the Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency – EXA started the project PEGASUS, the building of the very first Ecuadorian satellite. This project was undertaken by Ecuadorian personnel only, funded by the EXA and the local industry, launch operations and testing facility development funds are provided by the Ecuadorian Defense Ministry, while space operations are to be conducted jointly between EXA and Ecuadorian Air Force personnel. 


The satellite was designed as a 1U cubesat, primary objective is to serve as technology and capability demonstrator while secondary objective is to serve the elementary schools of Ecuador with an space-based learning tool platform which will inspire the next generation of domestic engineers.
Launch is schedule on board a Russian launch vehicle for a 450 to 550 km orbit, 78 degrees inclination, non sun synchronous, for the first half of year 2012.


Primary mission is to transmit a continuous, real time video feed from orbit, while displaying on-screen telemetry and an audio beacon carrying both human voice and digital data signal, secondary mission is to test various techniques, devices and capabilities, like the SEAM/NEMEA Space Environment Attenuation Manifold that allows the spacecraft COTS electronics to survive the harsh space conditions, the testing of a very high energy density power supply management system, coupled with the use of 2 ultrathin deployable multi panel solar arrays, an unpowered, self deploying antenna system based on the use of shape memory alloys, a high power, micro booster for low noise amplification of the satellite’s transceiver, an internal thermal distribution system based on carbon nanotubes and many other innovative techniques, all product of in house development.
\end{center}

Abstract document

IAC-11,B4,1,6,x10055.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,B4,1,6,x10055.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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