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WG3K > ANS 02.03.25 02:34l 72 Lines 4105 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS061.3
Read: DJ6UX
Subj: UVSQ-Sat NG Scheduled for Launch
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RKB<DK0WUE<PI8ZTM<CX2SA<N3HYM<WG3K
Sent: 250302/0106Z 14534@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
Also among the satellites on the manifest for the SpaceX Rideshare 13
launch is the third of a series of French cubesats, named UVSQ-Sat NG âö or
âNext Generation.â The previous satellites in this series carried amateur
radio FM transponders.
Specifically designed to observe essential climate variables, UVSQ-Sat NG
is a 6U nanosatellite, meaning that it has the dimensions of six stacked
unit cubes, each cube having a standard size of 10 centimetres by. Weighing
only 10 kg, UVSQ-Sat NG represents a true concentrate of technology. The
satellite is equipped with a sophisticated attitude determination and
control system designed to meet a variety of scientific requirements
related to the observation of essential climate variables. This addition
distinguishes it considerably from its two predecessors, UVSQ-Sat and
INSPIRE-Sat 7. In a study published in the journal Remote Sensing Journal,
a team of researchers from the Atmospheres Laboratory, Space Observations
(LATMOS â CNRS/Sorbonne University / UVSQ), in partnership with industry,
described this new space mission as well as its scientific aims. The
satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2025.
One of the objectives of UPSQ-Sat NG is to maintain the continuity of the
EarthâÖs Radial Assessment studies initiated by the UVSQ-Sat and INSPIRE-Sat
7 satellites, launched in 2021 and 2023 respectively. The UVSQ-Sat NG
mission also involves monitoring concentrations of greenhouse gases, such
as carbon dioxide and methane, while analysing their links with infrared
radiation emitted by the Earth.
In addition to the methods used to determine the components of the EarthâÖs
Radial Balance sheet from the instruments of the UVSQ-Sat NG satellite,
researchers detail the technologies used to extract information on
atmospheric gas columns (CO2, CH4, O2, H2O) from data from the miniaturised
infrared spectrometer that will be on board UPSQ-Sat NG.
Both scientific and innovative, this research project is primarily an
educational tool, and is an exceptional educational platform for students
who are actively involved in the design, implementation of the satellite
structure, and the establishment of a satellite management and management
centre. This programme aims to meet the requirements of enterprises and
public bodies in terms of training, development of initial and continuous
educational programmes, while at the same time increasing the
attractiveness of these training courses. This is in order to ensure the
acquisition of the key competences required for the emerging professions of
France in 2030.
UVSQ-Sat NG is equipped with several instruments, including radiative
sensors (thermopiles with carbon nanotubes) for monitoring incoming solar
radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation. A near-infrared spectrometer
is also on board to evaluate atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases
by making observations in the wavelength range of 1200 to 2000 nm.
In addition, UVSQ-Sat NG carries a high-definition camera designed to take
images of the Earth in the visible spectrum. This NanoCam will facilitate
the post-processing of spectrometer-based data by ensuring accurate
geolocation of observed scenes. It will also offer the possibility of
observing the EarthâÖs edge, thus giving an approximate estimation of the
vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere.
A scientific paper published in the journal, Remote Sensing states that,
âThe Isispace VHF Receiver (RX) operates in the commercial frequency range
of 148 to 150.5 MHz, and for amateur frequency coordination, it operates
within the frequency range of 145.8 to 146.0 MHz. On the other hand, the
Isispace VHF Transmitter (TX) covers the commercial frequency range of
400.15 to 402.0 MHz and, for amateur usage, it spans the range of 435.0 to
438.0 MHz. An audio transponder will also be used with the amateur radio
community.â
However, no amateur frequencies have been coordinated with the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and no amateur operation has been
announced.
[ANS thanks Remote Sensing and IARU for the above information]
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