On-orbit Demonstration of a Sun Sensor on the Micro-Satellite MAIDO-1

Abstract

A 50-kg-class microsatellite “MAIDO-1 (SOHLA-1)” was launched, along with six other piggyback subsatellites, by a Japanese H-2A rocket on January 23, 2009. The fundamental and detailed designs of the satellite were developed by university students under the technical guidance of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). A string-type sun sensor (Fudai Sun Sensor; FSS) was also developed by the students with the technical assistance of JAXA and Advanced Engineering Services (AES) Co. Ltd. The FSS was mounted on the satellite as an experimental component. This paper reports the development of MAIDO-1 and FSS as well as the satellite operation by the students and the results of on-orbit experiments.

ABSTRAK: Satu mikrosatelit kelas 50 kg “MAIDO-1 (SOHLA-1)” telah dilancarkan, bersama enam lagi subsatelit gendong, dengan menggunakan roket H-2A (Jepun) pada 23 Januari, 2009. Reka bentuk satelit yang asas dan terperinci dibangunkan oleh para pelajar universiti di bawah bimbingan teknikal Agensi Explorasi Aeroangkasa Jepun (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)). Sejenis penderia matahari bertali (Fudai Sun Sensor; FSS) juga dibangunkan oleh para penuntut dengan bantuan teknikal dari pihak JAXA dan Advanced Engineering Services (AES) Sdn. Bhd. FSS telah dilekapkan ke satelit sebagai komponen eksperimental. Kertas ini membentangkan perkembangan MAIDO-1 dan FSS, operasi satelit oleh pelajar-pelajar dan keputusan eksperimen semasa dalam orbit.