PicoDragon micro satellite active in space for a month

20/01/2014

December 19th 2013 marks a full month since the PicoDragon micro satellite was launched into its orbit and successfully transmitting signals to earth. Together with ground stations under the Vietnam National Satellite Centre of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, ground stations under many Japanese universities and amateur radios in the world still continuously receive the signals of PicoDragon.

Upon reaching orbit, the PicoDragon micro satellite successfully sent the signal “PICODRAGONVIETNAM” to the earth (Information about PicoDragon is updated at http://pdg.vnsc.org.vn). This is a small signal but has great significance because it marks an initial success in conquering space for the engineers and young researchers from Vietnam National Satellite Centre.

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PicoDragon satellite signal trans-receiver at the Vietnam National Satellite Centre

Due to being released from the International Space Station (ISS) at the same time, the orbit of the PicoDragon and two other micro satellites of the United States, ArduSat-1 and ArduSat-X, are not completely stable and difficult to distinguish and identify the exact orbital parameters of this satellite.

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Photo simulates orbit at PicoDragon, ArduSat-1 and ArduSat-X in comparison with ISS in the space (Photo provided by ArduSat group)

In contacting PicoDragon, engineers from the Vietnam National Satellite Centre met many difficulties due to continuously updated orbital parameters of PicoDragon before trans-receiving signals. However, thanks to efforts to find methods to coordinate and share information with ground stations in Japanese universities and amateur radios around the world. So far, engineers from the Vietnam National Satellite Centre still continue to keep contact with PicoDragon.

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Accessing and identifying orbital parameters of PicoDragon before receiving hour

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General table of amateur radios around the world which continuously receive and exchange information about PicoDragon with the Vietnam National Satellite Centre

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Results of receiving signal from the PicoDragon on December 17^th 2013 provided by Argentinean amateur radio Mario Fazio

As scheduled, the PicoDragon will continue its activities on the orbit in two months. Signal receiving results from the satellite will be used to access activities of the satellite and make foundation for the plan to develop “Made in Vietnam” satellite in the future of the Vietnam National Satellite Centre under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese Version