Space Program

A CubeSat is a type of nano satellite for space research that is made up of multiples of 10×10×11.35 cm. The mass of a CubeSat is no more than 1.33 kilograms. The satellite is most commonly put in orbit by crews on the International Space Station, or launched as secondary payloads on a rocket. A nano satellite typically involves experiments which can be miniaturized and can serve purposes of Earth observation. Many CubeSats are used to demonstrate space technologies that are targeted for use in small satellites. The low cost of a satellite could justify riskier experiments. It has been planned several missions to the Moon and Mars using CubeSats which is really a huge challenge for the young generation. In the present we collaborate with Slovak Organization of Space Activities, the team which completed the first Slovak satellite (skCUBE).  Satellite now waits for a start, which should take place before the end of the year. The development of skCUBE shows to the world that Slovakia belongs to countries with a potential in space science and industry.  SkCUBE will focus on ham radio experiments that will include connection of two amateur radio operators via the satellite, sending of basic telemetry data via Morse code for easy listening and high speed data and image transmission via the 2.4 GHz band. Other technological experiments including attitude control of the satellite in space using magnetic coil actuators or checking radiation resistance of critical technology components (DC-DC converters, current measurers, switching transistor, RAM, FRAM, FLASH memory) are integrated on the board of skCUBE in a volume of one thousand cubic centimeters.

At present, the first Slovak satellite is successfully located in a polar orbit of 500 kilometers high. In the body of the satellite, with a thousand cubic centimeters (or one liter), there is whole educational process, at technical university, literally in the cube. During the development, the designers were able to write their own operating system that controls the satellite on-board computer, or develop a sensor for accurate Sun observation. By continuing to work on this project, we will gain many: new enthusiasts from which will be experienced engineers in the future, access to technology markets and, last but not least, the joy of being able to do so. Today, with 7% of the European Union's GDP related to space technologies, we can create a sector that will undoubtedly benefit economically. If we can use these finances wisely, we can fund education and research.

What makes skCUBE technically innovative

The first Slovak skCUBE satellite includes some innovative features that have been developed directly by members of the design team:

• Stand-alone power control and power management module. The microsatellite has solar cells located on the outside of the cube of dimensions 10x10x10 cm. The size of solar cell is limited and the maximum power that can be obtained from these solar cells is 3W, even when it is directly illuminated by the sun. Handling energy is therefore a very important part of the construction. The energy module is located on a separate platform, which consists of a six-layer push joint on which is positioned about a thousand components. A major problem was to develop the technology of interconnecting individual layers so that in the vacuum environment there was no destruction due to the expansion of the hidden air bubbles. This is an essential part of the know-how of companies that are involved in the construction of satellites and for obvious reasons they keep it in secret. This module works seamlessly.
• A custom communication module capable of communicating at two frequencies: a standard 437.1 MHz with a power of 1W. At this frequency telemetry data is transmitted and communication with the control center. All data is transmitted in a very efficient form to save limited power. The innovative feature of the radio is the ability to communicate at a 2.4GHz frequency that allows very fast data transfer. This communication is experimental and will be used later. This module works seamlessly and totally transfers about 300 various data.
• Own operating system, which proved to be not very stable. Currently, due to the interaction of the memory register with the high-energy charged particle, the communication between the main computer and the radio has failed. In the future, it will be necessary to improve this system with some elements of artificial intelligence, as well as some system of protection against charged particles. The development of this system lasted several years.
• Very interesting system of orientation in the space. For this purpose, the constructors developed an innovative detector of Sun position. To determine the position of the satellite with respect to the Earth's horizon, they used a modified infrared camera.
• System of the satellite stabilization. The space orientation of the satellite is controled by an active system consisting of three coils interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and a control system which, shortly after the launch of the fourth-degree carrier rocket satellite, has stabilized rotation with very limited power consumption. Satellite stabilization is very important in capturing the Earth's surface and communicating at 2.4GHz. This system, which was developed at TU, Aircraft Faculty in Košice, was calibrated in the bathroom at Zámocká Street. This "rare location" was chosen for spatial reasons. The system currently working very well.
• All important parts of the satellite are duplicate. This design makes it possible to extend the life of the entire system. In the future, it will require an improvement in the operating system so that the artificial intelligence can be able decide to connect to the backup part separately even in the case of "unclear" faults

Generally speaking, skCUBE is technologically at a good level and can provide a good foundation for advanced technologies education, which we can include under the common category "Space 4.0". Finally, I will use the quote Dr. Hajduška: "A recommendation for those who think that skCUBE is a form of a Rubik's cube check out the pictures of skCUBE that are freely available on the Internet."