Samara, January 24th. RIA "Novosti". TsSKB Progress Space and Rocket Center in cooperation with Samara State Aerospace University are to assemble CubeSat nano-satellites, reports TsSKB press service.
"For the implementation of the project to create a high-technology spacecraft and nano-satellite production unit, TsSKB Progress allocated the research and production complex ERC-3, which is located on the premises of SSAU, where a new testing and production facility is being rapidly developed", says the press release.
According to the press service, some of the equipment has been already purchased and ready for installation. This includes the clean room, vibration testing unit, measuring and inspection machinery. Apart from that, an order for design of the premises ensuring the cleanness level necessary for installation and testing of the apparatus has been placed. In addition, the first lot of the nano-satellite assembly and testing line equipment has already been supplied.
The assembly of the first spacecraft is to be completed in 2015. CubeSat is a type of miniaturized satellite, 100х100х113,5 mm in length, with weight as low as 1 kg. Typically, COTS electronics is used. The CubeSat specifications were drawn in 1999 by California Polytechnic State and Stanford Universities in order to simplify the development of small satellites.
