FUNcube

FUNcube (AO-73)

FUNcube Model AMSAT-UK is working on a new amateur satellite project – The FUNcube Project– that features a 435 to 145 MHz Linear Transponder for SSB/CW operation. FUNcube-1 is a complete educational single CubeSat project with the goal of enthusing and educating young people about radio, space, physics and electronics.

Mission

The primary and secondary mission objectives are summarized below:

Provide an in-orbit tool for science education and outreach, by means of the following:

Perform a materials science experiment in space.
Provide for telemetry which is receivable by un-trained teachers and schoolchildren using a handheld receiver.
Provide a message service similar to Text/Twitter messages. These messages to be uploadable by designated control stations, and to be transmitted. These messages to be known as “Fitter” messages.

Provide a linear transponder which can be used by radio amateurs to make 2-way radio contacts using a modest equipment setup.

Final FUNCube Assembly

Orbital parameters

Name                 AO-73
NORAD                39444
COSPAR designation   2013-066-AE
Inclination (degree) 97.792
RAAN                 94.182
Eccentricity         0.0063808
ARGP                 9.793
Orbit per day        14.77396470
Period               1h 37m 28s (97.47)
Semi-major axis      7 016 km
Perigee x apogee     593 x 682 km
Drag factor          0.000272590 1/ER
Mean Anomaly         350.449

DNEPR Rocket Launch Downlink

145.935 MHz CW
145.935 MHz BPSK 1200 BPS
145.950 – 145.970 MHz SSB/CW Transponder

Uplink

435.150 – 435.130 MHz SSB/CW Transponder (inverting)

Call

Status

~~Satellite will be launched with a number of other spacecraft from a DNEPR rocket sometime in the third quarter of 2012.~~ Launched and active.

FUNcube update by G5LVB:

Amateur Radio – PEØSAT

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