PolyITAN-1

PolyITAN-1 is a 1U CubeSat designed and developed at the National Technical University of Ukraine to perform a number of test and demonstration objectives in orbit. The satellite uses CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) panels and structures and the common CubeSat features such as body-mounted solar cells, a basic attitude determination and control system and a VHF/UHF and S-Band communication systems. The attitude determination system uses a three-axis magnetometer, a three-axis gyro and five sun sensors and attitude control is accomplished using three electromagnets to align the three satellite axes in Earth’s magnetic field. The satellite uses a navigation system compatible with Glonass and GPS satellites for precise orbit determination.

PolyITAN-1 allows university students to build, test and launch a small satellite to gather valuable experience. The mission’s technical demonstrations include the sun sensors, the attitude determination software and the miniaturized Glonass/GPS receiver. PolyITAN-1 also tests a temperature probe, a dust sensor and an Ultraviolet sensor to track changes in performance over the course of the mission.

Furthermore, the satellite system implements mini heat pipes that are being evaluated for future thermal control systems of small spacecraft. The mission also includes the development and improvement of ground systems architecture in preparation for future small satellite missions.