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Surrey Satellite

Since 1981 the University of Surrey and later Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) have been successfully deploying 50 kg-class microsatellites for LEO store/dump communications, primarily for use by the amateur radio community. Designated UoSAT, thefirst of these satellites was launched as a piggyback with the U.S. Solar Mesopheric Explorer in October, 1981. UoSAT 2 accompanied the U.S. Landsat 5, while UoSAT 3 and 4 hitched a rideon the SPOT 2 mission. UoSAT 5 was launched along with ESA's ERS-1 on 17 July 1991 and was a repeat of the UoSAT 4 vehicle which had malfunctioned almost immediately after launch.

The French S80/T and the South Korean Kitsat 1 were also Surrey products launched in 1992. The following year PoSAT 1 and Healthsat 2 joined the list of Surrey-produced satellites, while Kitsat 2 was constructed with Surrey components. Two more Surrey satellite platforms are expected to fly in 1995: France's CERISE and Chile's FASat Alpha.

The standard SSTL modular spacecraft bus has a mass of 50 kg (including a 7-10 kg payload) and dimensions of 33 cm by 33 cm by 60 cm. Silicon or gallium arsenide solar cells generate 30 W at beginning of life with 8-10 W average for the payload in a LEO polar orbit. Attitude system pointing accuracy is less than five degrees (References 420-422).

REFERENCES

420. Various technical documents distributed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., undated.

421. M.J.M. Meerman, Overall Programmes at the University of Surrey", SSTL, undated.

422. T. Furniss, "Visionary Approach", Flight International, 26 July - 1 August 1995, pp. 36-37.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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