CUSat-1/2 to launch on SpaceX

CUSat-1/2

The IARU amateur satellite frequency coordination panel have agreed frequencies for CUSat-1/2, planned to launch on a SpaceX mission in the last quarter of 2012.

CUSat-1/2 is a 45kg satellite that will split into two parts sometime after separation from the launcher. Image and positioning data will be downlinked using 9k6 AX25 packet on 70cm from a 2 watt transmitter. Cross linking between the two parts will also take place on 70cm.

The coordinated frequencies are:
– CUSat-1   437.405 MHz
– CUSat-2   437.485 MHz
– Cross link 437.305 MHz

Using centimeter accuracy carrier-phase differential GPS, the two satellites will perform autonomous relative navigation. One satellite will capture imagery of the other satellite and send these images to a ground station on Earth for the reconstruction of a 3-D model of the partner satellite. The images will also act to verify the relative GPS implementation. Doing so will demonstrate how one spacecraft can diagnose the structural health and configuration of another.

CUSat http://cusat.cornell.edu/