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UK MicroSat Launched By Russian ICBM
Guildford - April 22, 1999 - The world's first commercial satellite launch from an SS18, once the world's most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), took place Wednesday from Kazakhstan. Surrey's latest research and development minisatellite, UoSAT-12, was launched into a 650 km 65 degree low Earth orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 0600 BST (0500 GMT) onboard Dnepr, a de-militarised SS18.The new 350 kg minisatellite will demonstrate advanced high resolution multispectral and panchromatic Earth observation payloads, low Earth orbit microwave digital communications, as well as a number of innovative propulsion and attitude control technologies. Reporting from the launch site, Prof Martin Sweeting, CEO & Managing Director of SSTL, said: "This new minisatellite offers a very cost-effective yet powerful space capability. We can now offer future customers even more capable satellite systems for Earth observation, communications and science missions." The fact that the satellite is equipped with propulsion and attitude control technologies is another first for SSTL. In flight the satellite will be controlled in the roll by the use of thrusters powered by compressed nitrogen gas. In addition, UoSAT-12's orbit can be changed by the thrust from a nitrous oxide Resistojet which works by passing nitrous oxide through a 400W heat exchanger and expelling it through a nozzle to generate thrust. Commissioning will commence at 12.00 BST today from company's Mission Control Centre at Guildford. Once complete, UoSAT-12 will be put through its paces to demonstrate this significant step forward in small satellite technology. Most of the company's 104 staff were present this morning listening to video and audio links with SSTL engineers around the world. Staff cheered as confirmation of the launch came through from Surrey engineers in Baikonur 5-mintues after launch, followed by news of UoSAT-12's separation from the launch vehicle. The company have invested �5.5 million of their research and development budget in this project in a commitment to providing low cost access to space for international customers. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a wholly-owned University of Surrey company. Formed in 1985, SSTL has designed and built 14 microsatellites for both civil and military applications for international commercial customers. A further three microsatellites are due for launch before the end of this year for Malaysia, the US Air Force and France. Just last month SSTL signed a deal worth $17 million to build the platforms for a constellation of six microsatellites for the United States.
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