S-Net
| Manufacturer | Technische Universität Berlin |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Operator | Technische Universität Berlin |
| Applications | inter-satellite communications |
| Specifications | |
| Launch mass | 9 kilograms (20 lb) |
| Power | solar cells, batteries[1] |
| Equipment | S-Band transceiver[1] |
| Regime | Low Earth Orbit |
| Design life | 1 year[1] |
| Production | |
| Status | In Service |
| Built | 4[2] |
| Launched | 4[3] |
| Operational | 4[3] |
S-Net is a worldwide inter-satellite communications network consisting of four satellites and being operated by Technische Universität Berlin.[2]
Description
[edit | edit source]The project has the goal to investigate and demonstrate inter-satellite communication technology within a distributed and autonomously operating nanosatellite network. All satellites are equipped with a S-Band radio emitter and receiver, which not only enables communication with the ground-based control center but also allows for communication between the individual satellites.[3] The number of satellites in the network was set to four as this number represents the best cost-benefit-ratio. With four satellites, a total of six independent communication links are possible, while only three are possible with three satellites. Moreover, four is the lowest number that enables multi-hop communication.[1] The satellites are powered by solar cells and batteries and have a planned lifetime of one year.[1] Future applications of the technology may be more effective monitoring of global issues like climate change, disaster management, maritime systems monitoring and even enable satellite constellations for high-bandwidth internet access.[2][1]
Launch
[edit | edit source]The four satellites were successfully launched on a Soyuz-2.1A rocket from Vostochny Site 1S in Russia on 1 February 2018. The launch was originally scheduled for 22 December 2017, however due to the failure of a Soyuz-2.1B rocket, Roscosmos decided to delay the mission.[3] The spacecraft were released into orbit at an altitude of approximately 580 kilometers at an interval of 10 seconds. The launch represents the tenth mission of the TU Berlin, sending a total of 16 satellites to space.[2]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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