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Minisat

Spain decided in 1990 to develop a small indigenous satellite capable of performing a variety of scientific and applications missions. Sponsored by the National Institute for Aerospace Technology, the satellite is simply called Minisat and will possess a mass of about 200kg. Despite its small size (~1 m x 2 m) the vehicle will be 3-axis stabilized, will carry deployable solar arrays, and will operate for up to three years. The first mission for Minisat is scheduled for 1996 with a launch by the US Pegasus booster. The orbit will be 600 km high with an inclination of 28.5 degrees, and the spacecraft will be controlled by the Maspalomas ground station. Eventually Minisats may be boosted by an upgraded Capricornio launch vehicle also currently under development by Spain. One of the payloads for the maiden Minisat mission is an extreme ultraviolet telescope for astrophysical studies. Other mini-observatories are being considered for subsequent flights (References 323-326).

323. P. B. de Selding, "Spain Boosts Space Spending, Plans New Launch Vehicle", Space News, 15-21 June 1992, p. 6.

324. "Spanish Satellite Project Matures", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 21 June 1993, p. 26.

325. P.B. de Selding, "Orbital To Launch Spanish Minisat", Space News, 31 October - 6 November 1994, p. 6.

326. W. Ferster, "Spain's Minisat Launch Awaits Negotiation", Space News, 17-23 April 1995, p. 6.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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