Countdown to VZLUSAT-2 launch
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11
January
2022
On January 13, 2022, a launch is planned for the VZLUSAT-2 nanosatellite, designed and constructed by the Czech Aerospace Research Centre (VZLU).
The primary mission goal of VZLUSAT-2 is to verify technologies for future missions of the Czech satellite constellation – the nanosatellite will be equipped with an experimental camera and a unit for precise attitude control. In addition, the satellite carries the second generation of devices that have already proven their qualities on the previous VZLUSAT-1 satellite, as well as several devices supplied by Czech universities and private companies.
The mission carries multiple payloads. There are two cameras for Earth observation, X-ray optical payload, Gamma Flash Detector (GRB Detector), Space X-ray Detector, Space Dosimetry System Demonstrator, and Water vapor outgassing sensor.
The target orbit of the satellite is at altitudes between 500-600 km above the Earth. Communication with the satellite will be performed through the ground station of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia.
A one-year launch delay was caused by the original launch provider (Momentus Inc.). A new launch provider, Spaceflight Inc. was selected, but recently also ran into problems, when a propellant leak was discovered on the Sherpa-LTC tug. However, Spaceflight, along with teams from Spacemanic, VZLU, and D-orbit managed to organize a last-minute integration of VZLUSAT-2 on the ION Satellite Carrier operated by D-orbit. The immense effort of all teams assured, that the satellite will fly on the Transporter-3 mission by SpaceX with Falcon 9 rocket.
Spacemanic's main role in the VZLUSAT-2 project is the launch campaign management.
Spacemanic also provided a couple of subsystems for this mission.
The key modules in question are:
The module serves as a navigational unit and provides precise timestamps.
The solar panels are the main source of energy for this mission.
