The scientific experiments were started on the satellite “Aist-2D”

Samara University scientists started to perform a series of scientific experiments on the spacecraft “Aist-2D”, launched into space at the end of April 2016 as part of the first launch campaign from the new Russian space launcher complex Vostochniy.

The small spacecraft “Aist-2D” was created by experts of the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” and scientists of Samara State Aerospace University (currently - Samara University). There are six sets of scientific equipment on board, five of which were developed in the Institute of Space Device Engineering of Samara University (ISDE):
- DMS-01 – mass-spectrometry detector for analysis of the gas composition in outer atmosphere of the spacecraft;

- DCH -01 - particle detector for analysis of the optical elements damage;

- KMY-1 - microacceleration magnetic compensator, which has the ability to control angular position of a small spacecraft in space;

- “Meteor-M” - equipment for the study of micrometeorites and space debris particles;

- CEA - complex equipment for the joint experiment of the employees from ISDE, Department of Radio Physics, Semiconductor Micro - and Nanoelectronics, Centre of Perspective Technologies and Apparatus (CPTA) and the Laboratory of “Fundamental research and industrial technologies”, is designed to study advanced models of photovoltaic converters, lithium battery and fibre optic displacement sensor. 
The Inter-University Department of Space Research has developed a hardware complex “Contact-ICA” to tests the possibility of establishing a connection using Globalstar communications satellites.

“All scientific equipment on board of “Aist-2D”, developed by the Institute of Space Device Engineering of Samara University (ISDE), is enabled and it’s, operating normally. We have received the first telemetry results and we have embarked on the scheduled studies during the flight program of this spacecraft. With the help of this equipment the University scientists began to study the spacecraft atmosphere and space radiation, micrometeorite fluxes and their impact on construction materials, solar cells and optical components, as well as to map “solar” winds and “garbage fields” near the satellite’s motion”, - underlined Professor Nikolay Semkin, Director of Samara University Institute of Space Device Engineering.
All studies are practical. The scientific information obtained by Samara University scientists during the flight of “Aist-2D” will allow solving successfully a variety of applied problems in the future. For example, the results of test of the new solar batteries in space made in the University can lead to a dramatic reduction in price of these electric power sources not only for the spacecraft, but also for use on Earth.

“Aist-2D” as a whole is a kind of “scientific harvester”, designed for the new technologies check out, unique equipment testing and specialized software debugging. The works are conducted strictly according to the program of the product’s flight development tests. In particular, a command to switch on the scientific equipment on the satellite was given after the installed wide-level multi-spectral electrooptical visible range device “Aurora” found the specified parameters. It demonstrated ample opportunities for the Earth's surface shooting.

"It is a world-class achievement to get photos with a resolution over two meters with a ground swath of 40 kilometres on this type of devices” – confirmed Gennadiy Anshakov, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of Samara University Department of Space Engineering, Deputy Chief Designer of the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress”.

The devices for the Earth's surface monitoring in the infrared range, radar equipment and the complex “Contact-ICA” are in working order and going through various stages of testing and debugging in the field conditions.

Nowadays, the third spacecraft series “Aist”, such as the spall spacecraft “Aist-2D” demonstrates the viability of the satellite building approach, at which the satellite is created and managed jointly by the University and the Rocket and Space Centre. “The first samples of “Aist” have steady been working in orbit over three years. We have carried out more than five thousand sessions with them. On August 1 the Samara University Ground Control Centre will be one year. Our graduate students and undergraduates are now working with these satellites therefrom. during our devices’ operation we have realized, that together with the specialists of the Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” we created quite a decent platform of small satellites, capable to solve complex problems of the outer space study and exploration”, - thinks Sergey Tkachenko, Professor of Samara University Department of Space Engineering.

There is a powerful test and production base for the further spacecraft development in Samara University and the theme of small satellites, in particular, nanosatellites has become an integral part of the educational process.

For reference

Small spacecraft “Aist-2D” was developed as a joint project of Samara University and JSC Rocket and Space Centre “Progress” “Creation of the high-tech production of low weight observation spacecraft using it hyperspectral equipment in favour of social and economic development of Russia and international cooperation”, performed by the Decree of the Russian Federation Government dated 09.04.2010 No. 218.

The wide-level multi-spectral electrooptical visible range device “Aurora” is installed on the unit and performs shooting the Earth's surface. There are also equipment for the Earth’s observation in the infrared range and radar equipment, by means of which the researchers plan to work out the possibility of observing both visible surfaces and subsurface structures. “Aist-2D” has also the six sets of scientific equipment, designed and created in Samara University. The small spacecraft “Aist-2D” has a weight of 531 kg. Its active shelf life is three years at least. The satellite control, information receiving and processing is carried out by the RSC “Progress” with the participation of Samara University scientists.