SUNSAT

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SUNSAT
OSCAR 35, SO-35
ZA 001
Type: Technology
testing satellite amateur radio satellite
Country: South AfricaSouth Africa South Africa
Operator: Stellenbosch University
COSPAR-ID : 1999-008C
Mission dates
Dimensions: 64 kg
Size: 45 cm × 45 cm × 60 cm
Begin: February 23, 1999, 10:29 UTC
Starting place: Vandenberg Air Force Base , SLC-2W
Launcher: Delta II 7920 D-267
Status: Out of service
Orbit data
Rotation time : 99.7 min
Orbit inclination : 96.4 °
Apogee height :  849 km
Perigee height :  641 km

SUNSAT ( Stellenbosch University Satellite , also OSCAR 35 ) is the first South African satellite. It is a technology testing and amateur radio satellite that was built and operated by Stellenbosch University .

SUNSAT was used to demonstrate new and proven technologies in the fields of earth observation , satellite control and geosciences . In addition, there was an amateur radio payload on board.

SUNSAT was launched on February 23, 1999 with a Delta II from the SLC-2W of Vandenberg AFB together with the satellites ARGOS of the US Air Force and Ørsted . It was in operation until January 2001.

literature

  • John A. Magliacane: SUNSAT - An Amateur Radio Satellite for Educators. In: Satellite Times, Vol.1 # 5, May / June 1995.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Orbit data according to Chris Peat: Sunsat (SO-35) - Orbit. In: Heavens Above. October 17, 2013, accessed October 17, 2013 .
  2. ↑ eo Directory Portal: SUNSAT (English)