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Sydney space start-up and automation manufacturer ANT61 has launched its first Beacon into space aboard the MAPHEUS 14 sounding rocket in Sweden.
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The palm-sized contingency communication unit reached an apogee of 265 kilometres after launching from the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna on 27 February.
Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) had a shared module onboard the MAPHEUS rocket which housed seven different scientific and technical experiments from Australia, Sweden, and Germany.
The Beacon was among other scientific experiments onboard the rocket, operated by the German Aerospace Center, conducted under microgravity conditions before being recovered within an hour after lift-off.
The ANT61 device is designed to integrate with de-orbiting hardware to provide a safe and reliable way for operators to complete their satellite mission in low-Earth orbit, leaving no debris and ensuring compliance with space regulations.
The ADI-ECHO INCL ANT-61 shared module of the rocket contained a system provided by Australian start-up company ResearchSat, testing flight and monitoring of biological cell effects triggered by microgravity, as well as the flight test of contingency communication unit based on Iridium for CubeSats and small satellites (ANT-61).
“(This launch) marks a few firsts for us as a company. It is the first product that we are launching into space to demonstrate sustainable operations, and it’s the first launch of our Beacon,” according to ANT61 space missions manager Mary Pillay.
“The Beacon is our flagship product. It’s a leap forward for space sustainability, being able to log, track and revive satellites in orbit.
“(This) launch tests the Beacon’s durability against extreme space conditions, with double the typical satellite launch acceleration, high spin rates and intense re-entry heat.
“It aims to demonstrate functionality under severe stress, collecting data on its journey. Additionally, there’s an attempt to transmit some of this data back to us.”
ANT61 director Mikhail Asavkin attended the launch in Sweden and answered an on-site Q&A which was streamed back to Sydney, Australia, after the launch.
“I am very happy with the campaign and the launch of MAPHEUS 14. The scientists have put a lot of effort into being ready for launch as we had perfect settings and launch conditions that we did not want to miss out on,” said SSC campaign manager Elin Lundqvist.
“Our SSC team and DLR has together supported this seamlessly. It is always a pleasure to work together with DLR and this time on a completely new rocket motor combination.
“A big thank you to all involved.”
The MAPHEUS 14 was also the first sounding rocket from Esrange using the newly developed German rocket motor Red Kite after the new motor was tested at Esrange in a collaboration between DLR and Bayern-Chemie.
“The Red Kite motor is a good example of cooperation between industry and research. Now we have our own motor, a second source that was designed according to our flight profile. It fits perfectly for the demands we have. That is really an advantage now,” said Professor Felix Huber, director Space Operations and Astronaut Training at the German Aerospace Center.
Among the other international experiments were tests on advanced material science and biological science on both human and animal cells, to find out how the brain and the central nervous system is affected by microgravity.
Other examinations include a collaborative science module for MORABA internal experiments, conducting research into proof of the flightworthiness of certain components. A ROMS experiment studied the development and network of neuronal cells in a model under microgravity conditions and how the human brain is affected by space flights using living human stem cells. Other modules examined the influence of microgravity effects on bone muscle cells.
An SSC shared module also recorded the test of a conceptual radiation shield for long-term space missions based on induced electromagnetic fields by the RMIT University. The experiment was designed and built by university students.
