Two new satellite projects for SA

SA AMSAT will be launching two satellite projects, both CubeSats, but with totally different design approaches and time lines.

The first project will focus on providing a FM transponder that will be available on most passes over South Africa and will have a short time line to launch.

The second project, called SAiSAT, focuses on an innovative approach to the deployment of fold-out solar panels.
The project is aimed at getting Master and PhD students involved in the development and design of various payloads and substructures. A detailed paper on SAiSAT will be released in the next two weeks on www.amsatsa.org.za.

The FM transponder CubeSat, which has yet to be named, will be based on a standard available space frame and sub system with a locally designed payload. The project will be coordinated by Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP.

SA AMSAT is inviting radio amateurs who have an interest in satellites to join the project team. The team's first meeting will be during mid January via a teleconference.

To be part of the project team, please send your full details, a description of your expertise in electronics, communication, satellite tracking, software design, antenna design and any other areas of expertise that will support the project. In true amateur spirit participants must have enthusiasm. Besides technical experience the team also requires radio amateurs with management, financial, and communication skills.

Send your details to saamsat@intekom.co.za by 31 December 2010. You will be advised of the details of the teleconference in early January 2011.

Both satellite projects will the subject of papers to be presented at the SA AMSAT Space Symposium to be held at Vodaworld on 26 March 2011.

SA AMSAT
http://www.amsatsa.org.za

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