TURKSAT-3USAT to launch with V/U Linear Transponder

Preparing for TAMSAT linear transponder tests

Preparing for TAMSAT linear transponder tests

TURKSAT-3USAT is a three unit CubeSat built jointly by TURKSAT and the Istanbul Technical University (ITU).

Members of AMSAT-TR (TAMSAT), the Turkish Amateur Satellite Technologies Organisation, have designed and implemented a V/U linear transponder for the satellite to provide amateur radio SSB/CW communications. The transponder input is 145.940-145.990 MHz and the output is 435.200-435.250 MHz, there will be a CW beacon on 437.225 MHz.

TAMSAT V/U Linear Transponder Test

TAMSAT V/U Linear Transponder Test

The VHF/UHF transponder and all other subsystems, except the stabilization, are doubled for redundancy. Where possible, both COTS systems and in-house development are employed.

The power is provided using solar panels and lithium polymer batteries together with super capacitors. Satellite stabilization is accomplished using passive magnetic attitude control system with hysteresis rods. There is a camera payload to take images of the Earth.

TURKSAT-3USAT is expected to launch on April 26 at 0413 UT on a CZ-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Space Center into a 680 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The satellite has a de-orbiting system which will make it re-enter the atmosphere at the end of its operational life.

On February 9, 2013 TAMSAT President A. Tahir Dengiz, TA2T, and Vice-President Barış Dinc, TA7W, were at the laboratory in the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) where tests were carried out on the transponder.

TAMSAT team celebrating a successful test

TAMSAT team celebrating a successful test

Further information and pictures of the preliminary testing of the V/U transponder are at
http://www.tamsat.org.tr/tr/turksat-3usat-is-almost-ready/

Read the paper TURKSAT-3USAT: A 3U Communication CubeSat
http://www.nanosat.jp/images/3rd/pdf/%5BNSS-03-0409%5D_TURKSAT-3USAT_A_3U_COMMUNICATION.pdf

Read more on the TAMSAT website which can be seen in Google English at http://tinyurl.com/TurkeyTAMSAT

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