Ukrainian satellite launched by Musk loses orientation
launched recently with the help The American company SpaceX’s Ukrainian satellite “Sich” cannot establish stable communications due to problems with orientation.
This was reported by its manufacturer Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
According to the developer, the problem is that not enough energy reaches the solar panels.
“A number of external factors related to the peculiarities of the cluster launch did not allow us to establish stable communication with the spacecraft during the most important first sessions and ensure the timely construction of its normal orientation. The orientation remained such that only solar radiation reflected from the Earth or short-term direct radiation at a sufficiently small angle hits the working surfaces of the solar array,” the report notes.
According to the Ukrainian side, the combination of these factors led to a negative impact on the energy balance of the device.
“Engineering solutions and operating algorithms laid down at the stage of development and creation of the spacecraft allowed Sich-2-1 to carry out an independent reboot and restore its functionality in an energy-saving mode. Based on the results of the following communication sessions, no failures of on-board equipment were detected.
Modeling the dynamics of the spacecraft's motion in orbit, taking into account the influence of external factors (interaction of the spacecraft with the Earth's magnetic field, gravitational and aerodynamic influences) indicates that within 1-2 months the spatial position will become favorable for the accumulation of electricity, which will bring the orientation to full-time,” they hope at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau.
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