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MiniSat-400
SSTL Minisatellite
SSTL Minisatellite
Credit: NASA
British technology satellite. Basic Surrey Minisat bus.

AKA: Minisat SSTL;SSTL 400. Status: Operational 1999. First Launch: 1999-04-21. Last Launch: 1999-04-21. Number: 1 . Payload: 200 kg (440 lb). Gross mass: 400 kg (880 lb).

SSTL's MiniSat-400 platform was a high-capability platform for missions up to 400 kg total mass, with payloads up to 200 kg. SSTL developed this larger platform in response to customers requesting a cost-effective solution for payloads with more demanding mass, volume, power, data-handling and attitude/orbit control requirements.

The MiniSat-400 platform structure was based in part on proven mechanical modules from the MicroSat-70, with three module stacks mounted in a triangular configuration at the heart of the structure. These stacks supported a payload platform providing a large volume for internal payloads, with the possibility of apertures through the side or the top facet of the satellite. The top facet provided a mounting area for external payloads, sensors and antennas. Similarly, the bottom facet had space available for external units and the launcher attach fitting.

Customers could draw upon SSTL's full range of avionics units to configure the MniSat-400 platform. SSTL offered several options for three-axis attitude control, using momentum wheels, reaction wheels or cold-gas thrusters. Key attitude sensors could be selected from a range of proven Earth, Sun, star and magnetic sensors.

The on-board data handling system featured triple redundant internal telemetry and command networks (CAN), parallel on-board computers, Ethernet for high-speed internal communications and either S or X-band downlinks.

Propulsion options included Nitrogen or Xenon cold-gas, resisto-jets and hydrazine based systems, which could be configured for station acquisition, formation flying and end-of-life de-orbiting.

In 1999, SSTL demonstrated the MiniSat-400 bus in orbit on the UoSAT-12 R&D mission. The bus was listed in the NASA Rapid Spacecraft Development Office catalogue for extremely fast procurement by U.S. government agencies.


More at: MiniSat-400.

Subtopics

UoSat 12 (UO 36, UoSAT-OSCAR 36) / WavSat 2 Null

Family: Medium earth orbit, Technology, Technology satellite. Country: UK. Launch Vehicles: R-7, R-36M 15A14, Dnepr, Soyuz-FG. Launch Sites: Baikonur, Baikonur LC31, Baikonur LC109. Agency: Surrey. Bibliography: 2, 12840.
Photo Gallery

UoSAT-12UoSAT-12
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1999 April 21 - . 04:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Baikonur LC109. Launch Pad: LC109/95. LV Family: R-36M. Launch Vehicle: Dnepr.

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