Cubesats measure just 10cm per module and STRaND-1 is using a three Cubesat module structure to provide a quick and cost-effective framework to test the applications of smartphone technology in space.
In the following video, Dr Peter Shaw from the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey takes a look at the anatomy of this highly advanced Cubesat and talks us through the high performance Digi Wi9C, the smartphone and STRaND-1’s propulsion systems.
Whilst the phone gets all of the
media attention, STRaND-1 is packed with a multitude of experimental systems that will allow it to do all sorts of exciting things when in orbit. STRaND-1 will have no less than 4 means of manoeuvring. It is equipped with magnetorquers and reaction wheels as well as some brand new propulsion systems: the
WARP DRiVE and 8 Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (which you can see in the image below).
The Cubesat will also carry a total of four cameras: two to help orientate the satellite (the sun sensor and nadir sensor seen in the image below), the phone camera that will shoot photos of Earth and a final one (also seen in the image) that will show us what the phone is doing in orbit.
For more insight into the workings of STRaND-1, make sure you watch the videos on the
STRaND YouTube playlist and tune in for further blogs on this remarkable little satellite.
