Micro-STAR: Common satellite of Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific countries are actively cooperating with Micro-STAR test sperms with a volume of about 50kg in about 3 years (2010-2012).

From the idea of ​​proposing to build a joint satellite development program for the Asia-Pacific region of Japan Aerospace Agency - JAXA in November 2007, STAR program (Satellite Technology for the Asia - Pacific Region - Satellite technology for the Asia-Pacific region has taken active preparations.

Participating countries take souvenir photos.

The STAR program is a model that coordinates many agencies and space research organizations of many countries in the Asia and Pacific region to design and manufacture a common satellite for the purpose of testing new technologies. At the same time, it is seeking and nurturing the talent of young manpower in the field of small satellite technology for countries in the region.In addition, the program aims to increase the number of earth observation satellites in the region to meet the increasing demand for satellite technology applications in the future.

In the role of the idea, JAXA is the organization that organizes and operates all the activities of the pilot satellite project, which is mainly responsible for planning, designing, manufacturing, launching and operating the satellite. Micro-STAR, facilitating and arranging accommodation for young researchers working in Japan.

The office of Sagamihara program - JAXA has been opened since April 2009 to welcome researchers and engineers from space research organizations in Asia-Pacific countries.The office has a person in charge of supporting the housing and activities of members to join STAR.STAR students will be given the best possible conditions when they come to work in Sagamihara.

Currently, there are about 15 people including 05 experienced experts in the field of satellite technology from JAXA, ISRO and KARI participating as lecturers and 10 people (including researchers and technicians). Professor) from India (ISRO), Korea (KARI), Indonesia (LAPAN), Malaysia (ANGKASA), Thailand (GISTDA), Vietnam (VAST / STI) to work at the STAR program office.

Thanks to this coordination, the common satellite is integrated with the advanced technologies already available in the region, while transferring technology to developing countries.This is a new idea, promising to bring more success.

The program consists of 2 stages:

Phase 1: build a Micro-STAR test satellite with a volume of about 50kg in about 3 years (2010-2012);

Phase 2: fabrication of EO-STAR main earth observation satellite with a volume of about 300-500kg (2013-2017).

Micro-STAR satellite

. Join together to coordinate .

Micro-STAR satellites will be a cube of about 30-50 cm and weighing about 50-100 kg.

Micro-STAR satellites are designed with the basic task of monitoring land or / and waters, satellite image data can be obtained easily on the internet and sharing information and data for countries participating in the project.The main task of this satellite is to test the technology for EO-STAR satellites.

In addition to this task, Micro-Star is being proposed to test some new technologies such as electromagnetic seismic testing (seismo-electromagnetic) to study earthquakes or test GPS Radio Occultation technique (try test for weather forecasting and monitoring of climate change based on the signal received by earth observation satellites from GPS satellites and the degree of refraction of that signal as it passes through the atmosphere; The degree of refraction of that signal depends on the temperature and concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere.

Institute of Space Technology in the STAR program

With the aim of participating in the STAR Program first in phase 1, including analysis, overall design, launch and operation of Micro-STAR satellites, members of the Institute of aerospace technology, VAST directly participate in the design. , fabrication and integration of structural modules and monitoring modules, satellite position control (Attitude Determination and Control system - ADCS).

All this work will be carried out in 3 years (2010-2012) according to the general schedule of the STAR program and supported with funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam within the framework of the theme of the Cooperation Task. international science and technology under the Vietnam - Japan Protocol.

Micro-Star satellite design

According to the approved plan, in addition to 02 project coordinators, the Institute will send 02 technical staff to participate in the STAR Office in Sagamihara, Japan.In addition, the group of other members of the Institute still cooperates to perform tasks in Vietnam.

By participating in the STAR Program, the key point is that Vietnam will train a team of young staff while learning and gathering experience on the process of manufacturing and operating satellites in order to gain knowledge. basic as well as necessary skills in small satellite field.

At present, the Institute of Aerospace Technology is concretizing these tasks through the implementation of the following contents: Theoretical research and overview: implementing on the basis of systematizing the existing results, focusing on new results and new approaches based on mathematical theory controlling dynamical systems, mechatronics theory and mechatronic system design.

It is expected that in the following years, members of the Institute of aerospace technology will continue to participate in testing and testing the hardware and software results of the two systems.Join the parties to assemble, integrate and test satellite modules.Correct the results to meet the overall requirements of the entire satellite system.Join the preparation of the launch of Micro-STAR satellite and international research team.

Currently, a group of Vietnamese members are on schedule, well performing their assigned tasks under the STAR Program.The group also hopes to continue to be funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in the implementation of Phase 2 of the STAR Program to research and design EO-STAR satellites because this is a great opportunity for Vietnam aims to gradually concretize the goal by 2020 to master the small satellite technology mentioned in the 'Strategy for Research and Application of Space Technology by 2020' approved by the Prime Minister. June 14, 2006.

(Photo: Dat Viet Newspaper)