Aalto-1, multi-payload CubeSat: In-orbit results and lessons learned
: Mughal MR, Praks J, Vainio R, Janhunen P, Envall J, Näsilä A, Oleynik P, Niemelä P, Slavinskis A, Gieseler J, Jovanovic N, Riwanto B, Toivanen P, Leppinen H, Tikka T, Punkkinen A, Punkkinen R, Hedman HP, Lill JO, Slotte JMK
Publisher: Elsevier
: 2021
: Acta Astronautica
: Acta Astronaut.
: 187
: 557
: 568
: 1879-2030
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.11.044(external)
: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094576520307190(external)
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/51251271(external)
The in-orbit results and
lessons learned of the first Finnish satellite Aalto-1 are briefly
presented in this paper. Aalto-1, a three-unit CubeSat which was
launched in June 2017, performed Aalto Spectral Imager (AaSI), Radiation
Monitor (RADMON) and Electrostatic Plasma Brake (EPB) missions. The
satellite partly fulfilled its mission objectives and allowed to either
perform or attempt the experiments. Although attitude control was
partially functional, AaSI and RADMON were able to acquire valuable
measurements. EPB was successfully commissioned but the tether
deployment was not successful.
In this paper, we
present the intended mission, in-orbit experience in operating and
troubleshooting the satellite, an overview of experiment results, as
well as lessons learned that will be used in future missions.
