Sponsored article by KSF Space Foundation
A cubesat is a small satellite designed to be launched into space by a commercial launch vehicle. These are typically smaller size of a normal satellite and are made with standard building materials. The primary purpose of a cubesat is to conduct a specific space-related experiment or technology. Most cubesats are launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) or sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Some cubesats are launched into geosynchronous orbit (GEO) for increased data transmission rates and stability.
First, each cubesat must remain in contact with the ground during launch. Each one must be no less than 1 kilograms and no wider than 10 centimeters. Cubesats must also remain in contact with the ground during their orbital journey. This is necessary to maintain a controlled spin rate and attitude during flight, each cubesat must also remain in contact with the ground whenever it enters an intended orbit. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the cubesat since it will spin out of control and burn up in the atmosphere.
Cubesats must also remain in contact with the ground whenever they enter earth’s desired orbit, this is necessary to maintain a controlled spin rate and attitude during flight, each cubesat must also remain in contact with the ground whenever it enters an intended orbit, failure to do so will result in the loss of the cubesat since it will spin out of control and burn up in the atmosphere.
The KSF Space Foundation in the USA announced recently the world’s cheapest cubesat kit for education outreach purpose, the cuebsat model by KSF Space is designed for sub-orbital flight, ready to fly model which can be assembled by university’s students or even college level, they are offering to launch cuebsats to suborbital flight using their JUPITER 1 rocket with affordable launch cost.
Each cubesat follows all other orbital guidelines as defined for normal satellites. This includes following an orbital trajectory, having an orbital period, and remaining within an assigned range of altitudes and speeds. The cubesat must also have a functional propulsion system for reaching its intended orbit without colliding with other satellites or the Earth’s atmosphere. These propulsion systems can include engines, thrusters, or magnetic fields that push cubesats toward their desired destination.
Cubesats are increasingly becoming a useful form of space travel as they are both inexpensive and easy to construct. Their primary advantage over traditional satellites is that they can be used for a specific purpose such as conducting scientific experiments or globally distributing internet access. However, they still require extensive preparation before launch— most notably contact with the ground during launch so they don’t fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere, rea more about KSF Space cubesat model by visiting www.ksf.space
