SACI-1

The SACI-1 was a microsatellite of scientific applications, designed, developed, constructed and tested by Brazilian technicians, engineers and scientists working in INPE (National Institute of Space Research).[1] SACI-1 was launched on October 14, 1999, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China, by means of a Long March 4B rocket, as a secondary payload at the CBERS-1 launch.

SACI-1
Mission typeEarth orbiter
OperatorINPE
COSPAR ID1999-057B
SATCAT no.25941
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerINPE
Launch mass60 kilograms (130 lb)
Power150 watts
Start of mission
Launch dateOctober 14, 1999 (1999-10-14)
RocketLong March 4B
Launch siteTaiyuan LC-7
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeSun-synchronous
Semi-major axis7,098 kilometres (4,410 mi)
Eccentricity0.00084
Perigee altitude733 kilometres (455 mi)
Apogee altitude745 kilometres (463 mi)
Inclination98.6°
Period99.6 minutes
EpochPlanned
 

Features

The "SACI" satellites are composed of a multi-mission platform and a set of experiments that constitute the payload. These satellites had the cooperation of several Brazilian and foreign institutions.

The SACI-1 scientific satellite has the following characteristics:

  • Format: parallelepiped with 60 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm
  • Mass: 60 kg
  • Orbit: heliosynchronous
  • Stabilization: by rotation (6 rpm)
  • Precision: 1 degree

Energy supply

  • Solar Cells: Gallium Arsenide (AsGa)
  • Dimensions: 3 panels of 57 x 44 cm
  • Efficiency: 19%
  • Power output: 150W
  • Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Battery Cells
  • Voltage: 1.4 V
  • Capacity: 4.5 Ah
  • Remote control rate: 19.2 kbit/s
  • Transmission rate: 500 kbit/s
  • Antennas of edge: 2 of transmission and 2 of reception, type Microstrip
  • Operating frequency telemetry / remote control: 2,250 GHz / 2,028 GHz
  • Receiving antenna in Soil: 3.4 m in diameter

Mission

Although the launch went smoothly, and the intended orbit reached, SACI-1 did not come into operation, probably due to a failure in the solar panel control system.

References


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