Technology and Communications – RazakSAT

1. ) RazakSAT

Malaysian agencies requiring satellite image currently rely upon image data and information provided by satellites manufactured and operated by foreign international companies. Due to the orbit in which such satellites are located, the images provided are neither timely enough nor does it cater to Malaysia's specific use and need. A Medium Aperture Camera Satellite (RazakSAT(TM)) Malaysia's own small satellite will be able to provide specific and timely data for its users in Malaysia as well as being able to cater to the needs of countries located on the equatorial belt.

 

The RazakSAT(TM) spacecraft is a small LEO satellite. It carries an electro-optical payload, a Medium-sized Aperture Camera (MAC) a pushbroom camera with 5 linear detectors (1 panchromatic, 4 multi-spectral). The RazakSAT(TM) satellite will be operated through its ground segment in Malaysia, consisting of a Mission Control Station (MCS) and Image Receiving and Processing Station (IRPS). ATSB's engineers are operators at the MCS and they will execute RazakSAT(TM)'s mission plan, command generation and telemetry receiving, archiving and analysis. The IRPS will receive and archive images for post processing and distribution to the users. The development of the RazakSAT(TM) system is a collaborative programme between ATSB and Satrec Initiative Co. Ltd, Republic of Korea.

The High Resolution EO Satellite

The RazakSAT is a cost-effective 180kg mini satellite capable of high resolution Earth Observation missions.

The satellite will be launched in early 2009. The design and manufacturing process of this satellite follows the exacting and rigorous established standards of space programs. Using these standards, the RazakSAT has passed through the phases of Engineering, Qualification and Flight Models.

The primary payload of RazakSAT is a high resolution Medium-Sized Aperture Camera or MAC. The satellite is three-axis stabilized and has a comprehensive sensor suite including space borne GPS receiver, star tracker, fiber optic gyroscopes, magnetometers, fine and coarse sun sensors. Satellite actuator systems, which include reaction wheels and magnetorquers, allow accurate positioning of the satellite.

The combination of high resolution and large attitude maneuverability allows RazakSAT to provide highly customised and configurable imaging missions according to customer requirements.

In brief, the specifications of RazakSAT are as follows:

Orbit	Near Equatorial Low Earth Orbit (NEqO) at 685km 9° inclination
Mechanical Configuration	Ø1200mm x H1200mm hexagon type; 180 kg mass
Power Generation	Greater than 300W at end of life
Playload Features	Medium-sized Aperture Camera Panchromatic : 2.5m ; Multi-spectral (4-bands) :5.0m
Imaging Capacity	20 km swath by 500 km strip for total area of 10,000 km2
Data Down Link Rate	30 Megabits per second single channel

After years of postponement, RazakSAT, Malaysia's first remote sensing satellite, will be blasted into space from Kwajalein Island on April 21.The island is part of the Marshall Islands leased to the United States.

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadilah Yusof said the satellite was scheduled to be flown via a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) C130 aircraft from Subang to the Bucholz Army Airfield, Kwajalein on March 21.

"The aircraft carrying the satellite will be making temporary stops in Kota Kinabalu and Guam during the journey to Kwajalein," he told a press conference at the Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (ATSB) near here on Thursday.RazakSAT, which is also Malaysia's second low orbit microsatellite, was developed through a colloboration of ATSB with Satrec Initiative Ltd of South Korea.

The 180kg satellite is expected to be carried into space on a Falcon One rocket owned by United States' Space Exploration Technology (SpaceX) from Kwajalein.The 2.5mm Medium Sized Aperture Camera on the satellite is expected to provide high resolution images of Malaysia that can be applied to land management, resource development and conservation, forestry, fish migration and security.

According to Fadilah, RazakSAT, also the nation's first observatory satellite, would be launched to an orbital location specifically for Malaysia, to be known as the Equatorial Orbit.He said the orbital location would enable observation to be made on the earth surface more often, as compared to other observatory satelites, that is, five to six times daily, during daylight.

"Compared to TiongSAT1, which was launched in 2006 and which was more experimental in nature, RazakSAT is considered a functional satellite in monitoring the earth's surface and environment," said Fadilah, adding that the satellite was built at a total cost of RM150 million.

Fadilah said for the first time, together with RazakSAT, two other satellites meant for educational purposes CubeSAT and InnoSAT would also be launched.Meanwhile, Fadilah said Malaysia had the necessary expertise and capacity to develop its own satellite for sale to other countries."There is already a demand from countries like Iran to purchase satellites developed by ATSb," he added.

 

 

 

Reference

http://www.astb-malaysia.com

http://www.astb.com

Wikipedia

Short Quiz

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Multiple Choice Questions

1.) What is the mass of RazakSAT?

A. 160 kg B. 170 kg

C. 180 kg D. 190 kg

2.) When did RazakSAT launched?

A. 21 April 2009

B. 8 March 2009

C. 14 February 2009

3.)  Where will be RazatSAT blasted?

A. Langkawi Island

B. Kwajalein Island

C. Hawaii Island

4.)  What type satellite of RazatSAT?

A. Communication satellite

B. Observatory satellite

C. Navigation satellite

Answer

1. C
2. A
3. B
4. B

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Information prepared by Mei Ing