A group of scientists from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program recently conducted a test Launch of a prototype satellite from a farm in York, east of Perth. The purpose of the launch was to test the technology that will be used on the International Space Station (ISS) next year.
The prototype satellite, equipped with a 360-degree camera, was strapped to a parachute and a helium balloon to simulate a lower pressure environment. The scientists wanted to assess how the satellite would perform under these conditions before sending it to the ISS.
Next year, Binar plans to launch three satellites simultaneously into lower Earth orbit. These satellites will test a range of unique technologies, including radiation-shielding alloys developed by the CSIRO. The goal is to verify the effectiveness of these alloys and ensure that they can withstand the harsh environments of space.
During the prototype launch, the team collected data on voltages, currents, and temperatures onboard the satellite. They transmitted this information via UHF radio to test long-range communications capabilities and the functionality of their systems in the upper atmosphere.
In November, the Binar team will hand over their three satellites to JAXA, the Japanese space agency, for verification. If everything goes according to plan, the satellites will be shipped to the United States and sent up to the ISS. Once there, the ISS will deploy them into low Earth orbit.
The prototype launch was led by Charlie Morley-Wong, a final year physics and engineering undergraduate student. He expressed his gratitude and excitement about being involved in such a project. The prototype launch was a culmination of 12 months of hard work by the engineers and designers who built it.
Although the satellite was launched successfully, it was carried by winds eastwards into the Wheatbelt region towards Narembeen. The team assured the public that the satellite and its parachute were designed for a gentle landing and that the wide-open spaces of the Wheatbelt were chosen as the launch site for safety reasons.
All the technologies onboard the prototype satellite were developed in-house at Curtin University, showcasing the university’s expertise in space research and innovation.
Despite issues with the GPS tracker, the team considered the satellite launch a success. They were still working on locating the satellite after its descent.
This test launch marks a significant step in the Binar Space Program’s mission to contribute to space exploration and scientific advancements. The data collected and the lessons learned from this prototype launch will inform the final design and preparations for the future launch of three satellites from the ISS.
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