The successful 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), is a new history in the achievement of the national space industry. . This is because the launching of nano satellites is relatively new in Indonesia.
To note, the majority of satellites that are operating and used today are conventional satellites or micro satellites. What's the difference between nano satellites and conventional satellites?
SS-I Project Leader, Setra Yoman Prahyang said that conventional satellites and nano satellites basically have striking differences in terms of size.
"Conventional satellites are large-scale satellites in meters. Meanwhile, nano-satellites are much smaller, in centimeters, like the satellite we are developing, the shape is cube and small," Setra said in a press conference after the launch of SS-1 from the ISS to LEO, Friday. (6/1).
The small size, according to Setra, provides the advantage that it is easier to develop. "In my perspective as a student at the time, because it was small, it was easier to manufacture, easier to design so it was more reachable for us, something we could make," he said.
Whereas conventional satellites, as opposed to nano satellites, need more resources to develop them. For students or those who are just starting development, of course it is difficult to reach a larger scale.
"Conventional satellites are very complicated, need professionals from the mechanical side, there are lots of integrations. With smaller satellites, because they are easier to manufacture, we can start developing them for academic and business needs," explained Setra.
Functionally there are also differences between nano satellites and conventional satellites. Due to the smaller size, said Setra, there are limitations to including a number of components in the nano satellites.
"For example, satellites for communication. In nano-satellite, the capacity for communication is less than other satellites that are bigger, so we have to be selective," he explained.
SS-1 is a nano satellite or cubesat measuring 10 x 10 x 11.35 cm and weighing 1 to 1.3 kg. This size is much smaller than micro satellites or tubesat which usually weigh 50-70 kg.
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.
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).
This project also received support from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), the Indonesian Radio Amateur Organization, PT Pudak Scientific, PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara and other stakeholders.