Plasma brake tested on Aalto-1 satellite

The Aalto-1 is 30x10x10 cm in size, weighs 4 kilos, and contains three different space devices. In addition to the VTT hyper spectrum camera, a small device measuring high-energy particle radiation, the Aalto-1 will test a 100-metre-long electric sail and plasma brake tether developed at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. The Finnish Meteorological Institute has also been involved in a study ascertaining the technical implementation of the Aalto-1 satellite, and how the different payloads will settle in there.

More information:

Research Manager Pekka Janhunen, tel +358 29 539 4635,pekka.janhunen@fmi.fi

Kestilä, A., T. Tikka, P. Peitso, J. Rantanen, A. Näsilä, K. Nordling, H. Saari, R. Vainio, P. Janhunen, J. Praks and M. Hallikainen, Aalto-1 nanosatellite - technical description and missionobjectives, Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 2, 121-130, 2013.

http://www.geosci-instrum-method-data-syst.net/2/121/2013/gi-2-121-2013.html