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Preparation for the first launch campaign from the space-launch complex Vostochniy is being continued in Samara
15.06.2015, 16:22
A special launching transporting container was made for the Samara State Aerospace University nanosatellite “SamSat-218”, which will be launched from the new space-launch complex together with the devices “Aist-2” and “Mikhaylo Lomonosov”.
The staff of the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” told about the new development at the symposium «RusNanoSat-2015", which took place in Samara State Aerospace University from June 2 to June 4.
The main objective of the launching transporting container is nanosatellite protection against external influences during transportation, ensuring its launch into space and soft separation in the prescribed time.
Universal launching transporting container for spacecraft of “CubeSat” type are designed and manufactured for the first time in Samara. This is the first experience in the development, production and assembly of such type of device implemented by engineers of the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” in collaboration with SSAU scientists.
The container consists of three main modules: body, separation spring and hatch. It is also equipped with thermal insulation to maintain a given thermal regime. Body parts are made of light metals alloys, which provide a small container weight - 4.5 kg. Currently the container has already passed transport, vibro-dynamic and other tests.
Working principle of launching transporting container is simple and reliable. Upon receipt of the control signal the explosive pin activates, the latch opens, then the body hatch, and the starting spring gently pushes nanosatellite out of the container. Further, magnets and sealed contacts send telemetry to Earth that “CubeSat” “exit into space”.
The first flight workout of the universal launching transporting container as a new product will take place within the framework of launching from the space-launch complex Vostochniy. As a part of the ascent unit of the carrier rocket “Soyuz-2”, the launching transporting container with the nanosatellite “SamSat-218" will be placed directly on the launch block "Volga", next to the spacecraft “Aist-2” and “Mikhaylo Lomonosov”.
It is to be recalled, that the first students’ nanosatellite “SamSat-218” is being created by the students and scientists of Samara State Aerospace University. It will participate in the first launch campaign from the space-launch complex Vostochniy.
Launching from the new Russian space-launch complex is scheduled for December 2015. Samara carrier rocket “Soyuz-2.1a” will be the first to start from Vostochniy and will place into orbit another device being made by SSAU and the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” - a small spacecraft “Aist-2”, as well as the university spacecraft “Mikhaylo Lomonosov” (Moscow State University).