Aussie ham satellite development continues

The University of New South Wales’ BLUEsat amateur radio satellite project could be ready for launch in as early as 18 months.

Weighing around 12kg, the solar-powered low earth orbit satellite will carry a flight computer with transmissions to include a beacon and amateur packet radio using the AX25 protocol in a J-mode configuration.

Believed the only university satellite project with an entire volunteer team, no full-time members or direct academic supervision, it has involved about 100 students since 1997.

Wireless Institute of Australia