University small satellite program-ANUSAT

Abstract

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) over the last 3 decades has steadily progressed towards establishment of space system for communication, Earth observation and disaster warning for national development. Also, the launchers for placing both Earth observation and communication satellites have been developed. While these efforts are being sustained on a continuous basis, ISRO initiated Small Satellite Program few years ago for demonstration of new technologies that can be adopted to operational mission as well as Small Satellite Earth Observation program to complement the existing earth observation mission. Also realizing the importance of steady flow of engineers and scientists in Space Technology, ISRO has been pursuing to promote development of micro-satellite at Indian universities that will provide hands-on experience to the university students in Space Technology and also developing new technologies for the future. Anna University at Chennai, India, has taken up the first micro-satellite program within the university environment. The micro-satellite development will be carried out at Aerospace Research Centre in Anna University with review and funding support from ISRO. The project will be implemented through involvement of students, researchers and faculty staff. The satellite is a simple spinning satellite carrying store and forward payload being the first mission and weighs less than 50 kg. The Project has commenced in January 2002. The preliminary design review of the satellite has been completed in December 2002. The micro-satellite is scheduled for launch in 2005 as an auxiliary payload in ISRO's launcher PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).