Young scholars of Samara University presented the project of a new generation spacecraft of “AIST” family

Participants of international United Nations Workshop on cosmic space issues were presented with an initiative project of Samara scholars, i.e. small mass-dimensional spacecraft “AIST-3”.

Young scholars of Samara University finished the conceptual design of electrooptical small spacecraft “AIST-3”. It must become the continuation of a series of small spacecraft of “AIST” family created jointly with JSC RSC “Progress” in 2008-2016.

The main function of small spacecraft “AIST-3” is Earth remote probing with the help of electrooptical complex of micro-class “Skvorets”. It is being developed by Zelenograd branch of RSC “Progress”, i.e. Scientific Industrial Enterprise “Electrooptical complexes and systems” (SIE “ECS”).

It is supposed that this complex will be able to provide 1,2 and 1,3 m resolution of photos in the optical range with lock-in range of 8-10 km. Currently the project appearance and packaging of small spacecraft “AIST-3” are determined, the composition of target and onboard equipment is offered. 

The spacecraft is meant not only for Earth remote probing (ERP), but for carrying out of scientific experiments. The mass of the apparatus is only 170 kg that is its high advantage among small spacecraft of this type.  

The head of Research and Education Centre “Aerospace machinery and technology”with candidate degree in engineering, Ivan Tkachenko, presented the project to the participants of International United Nations Workshop “Formation of human potential in the sphere of space sciences and technologies for sustainable socio-economic development” held at Samara University at that time.

“The idea to develop such an apparatus appeared in the course of study of the project on setting the equipment of electrooptical observation on small spacecraft “AIST” of the first series, - Ivan Tkachenko told. – Two such university satellites of 39 kg of mass are working on the orbit reliably. Constructively “AIST” is a very fortunate platform, but it became clear to us that we will not be able to place equipment for ERP with high characteristics on this platform. That is why we suggested a project of a heavier apparatus – “AIST-3”.

In April 2016 the second generation apparatus, i.e. small spacecraft of ERP “AIST-2D” was launched within the first launch campaign of the new Russian Vostochny spaceport. The mass of this satellite is a little bit more than 500 kg, however, in the world a trend for creation of a more compact spacecraft of electrooptical observation has appeared. The new project of the young scholars of Samara University may become the basis for creation of a world level modern spacecraft.

In parallel with this the initiative work is continued on the project of the series of small mass-dimensional multifunctional spacecraft on the basis of the unified platform “AIST” of the first generation.

“First AISTs” were designed to work in space for three years, but today the term of work of these two apparatus is more than four and a half years, - Ivan Tkachenko explained. – The exploitation confirmed the justification of the adopted constructive decisions and proved that “AIST” is a reliable and universal platform on the basis of which a line of affordable apparatus for technological and biological experiments can be created”.

Young scholars of Samara University offered three variants of provision of the apparatus with the target equipment. “AIST-T” can be used for technological experiments, “AIST-R” can be used for adjustment of perspective radiolocating equipment, and “AIST-M” can be used for holding of medical and biological experiments including the detection of radiation levels on high orbits, up to 1000 km.

Due to the fact that the mass of AISTs of the first series is small – only 53 kg with adapter with the help of which they are put to a launch vehicle – these apparatus can be launched by several items as additional cargo with “full-sized” scientific spacecraft. Such a decision along with the high level of design and technological adjustment of “AIST” platform will provide affordable cost of launches.

For reference

Small spacecraft “AIST”:

Developed with Samara National Research University and RSC “Progress”.

Two small spacecraft “AIST” of the first series are put into orbit. The launches happened on 19 April and 28 December, 2013. Currently the satellites continue their work and are managed by Spacecraft Control Centre of Samara National Research University. 

The mass of small spacecraft “AIST” is 39 kg; it is 53 kg with adapter.

The spacecraft is intended for solution of educational, scientific and technical as well as experimental tasks. In particular, it is in the study of means of measurement of geomagnetic field and compensation of low-frequency microaccelerations aboard of a small spacecraft, investigates high-speed mechanical particles of natural and artificial nature, provides reception, storage and transfer to the Earth of information about the work of scientific equipment.

Small spacecraft “AIST-2D”:

Developed by specialists of RSC “Progress” and scholars of Samara University within the project “Creation of high technology production of small spacecraft of observation with the use of hyperspectral equipment in the interests of socio-economic development of Russia and international cooperation” realized according to the Order of the RF Government #218 on 9 April 2010.

Electrooptical small spacecraft “AIST-2D” is intended for Earth remote probing in the visible, infra-red and radio bands, as well as for scientific experiments. 

The mass of the satellite platform is about 250 kg, and with consideration of target and research equipment the full weight of small spacecraft “AIST-2D” is 531,4 kg. According to the international classification it is in the niche of small spacecraft.

Small spacecraft “AIST-2D” was put into orbit on 28 April 2016 (within the first launch from the new Vostochny spaceport) alongside with the scientific satellite “Lomonosov” and nanosatellite SamSat-2018 developed by Samara students.