The release of the Nano Surya Satellite-1 (SS-1) satellite from the International Space Station (ISS) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on Friday (6/1/2023) was a success. Come on, get to know more about this nation's first nano satellite.
Developed by students
The SS-1 project was initiated by young Indonesian engineers from Surya University, in collaboration with the Indonesian Amateur Radio Organization (ORARI) since March 2016. In 2017, SS-1 began work on and training in making nano-satellite under the supervision of researchers at the Center for Satellite Technology.
SS-1 was developed by seven Surya University students who are currently alumni, namely Setra Yoman Prahyang, Hery Steven Mindarno, M. Zulfa Dhiyaulfaq, Suhandinata, Afiq Herdika Sulistya, Roberto Gunawan, and Correy Ananta Adhilaksma.
SS-1 journey
The launch and release of SS-1 into orbit cannot be separated from the role of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
In February 2018, the SS-1 team took part in the KiboCUBE program competition initiated by the two space organizations. In August 2018, the SS-1 team was announced as the winner of the contest, thus obtaining a nano satellite launch slot from the ISS.
"Before it was launched, SS-1 had gone through various stages of work consisting of design, simulation, prototyping, assembly, and testing," said Setra Yoman Prahyang, who is the project leader of SS-1.
After being announced as the winner of the KiboCUBE contest, in August 2018, his party entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the LAPAN Satellite Technology Center (now the Satellite Technology Research Center - BRIN), for guidance on making nano satellites, procurement of various 'Space Grade' components, and use of testing equipment that needed in the manufacture of SS-1.
Furthermore, at the 24th Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) event (November 2018) in Singapore, the SS-1 team entered into a cooperation agreement with JAXA. This agreement is for guidance on the satellite manufacturing process which consists of several phases.
Then in February 2019, the SS-1 team collaborated with PT. Pudak Scientific, Bandung, West Java, for the process of procuring the structure manufacturing from SS-1.
The SS-1 team received a visit and technical guidance from JAXA in May 2019, then located at the Satellite Technology Center. This meeting is to discuss the necessary launch technical documents for Phase 01 (design and simulation of nano satellites).
In December 2019, the SS-1 team was declared to have passed the Phase 02 stage, and proceeded to the next stage, namely Phase 03 (manufacturing and testing of nano satellites). In 2020, the Phase 03 work process will continue and the procurement of several components for the Solar Satellite-1 Flight Model.
Furthermore, in mid-2021, the SS-1 satellite assembly will begin and carry out several stages of testing consisting of Final Functional Testing and Environmental Testing which will be carried out at the LAPAN Satellite Technology Center in Bogor, West Java.
At the end of 2021, the SS-1 team has completed the environment test. In 2021, the SS-1 team will be assisted by PT. Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) built the Earth Station from the design stage to realization for use by the SS-1 team.
Furthermore, in June 2022, SS-1 successfully passed Phase 03 and the Safety Review Panel by JAXA engineers. SS-1 was then sent to Japan and handed over to JAXA as the launch party at Tsukuba Space Center on July 8, 2022.
This satellite is then installed on the deployer module (JSSOD Module). SS-1 then launched towards the ISS on November 27, 2022 with a SpaceX CRS-26 rocket. And finally, on Friday (6/1/2023), SS-1 was released from the ISS towards LEO.
Functions of the SS-1 satellite
The release of SS-1 into orbit allows the satellite to operate at an altitude of 400-420 km above the Earth's surface, with an inclination angle of 51.7 degrees.
The main mission of the SS-1 project is the APRS (Automatic Package Radio System) for the needs of Radio Amateur (ORARI) and can also function as a communication system and disaster detection.
New history
This launch succeeded in writing a major history in the achievement of the national space industry. This is because the launching of nano satellites is relatively new in Indonesia.
For information, the majority of satellites that are operating and used today are micro satellites. SS-1 is a nano satellite or cubesat measuring 10 x 10 x 11.35 cm and weighing 1 to 1.3 kg, much smaller than a micro satellite or tubesat which usually weighs 50-70 kg.