KiwiSAT (Click for large image)
Welcome to KiwiSAT
- A Satellite Project by AMSAT-ZL
(Site maintenance - 7 June 2010 - Complete site review)
KiwiSAT System Operational
KiwiSAT is now operating in test mode with the final flight hardware running in the Clean Room at Massey University in Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
Work is now underway on the wiring loom in preparation for the imminent final integration.
Using Andrew's (ZL1AVC) flight solar-cell simulator software, the Battery Charge Regulator is being exercised to prove the operation and reliability of the very important power supply system.
IHU software development continues in parallel with the finalization of the flight unit to ensure full and proven control ability ready for launch.
Central Power Controller Explained - Video
Hans Holtz, ZL1HB and Andrew Cammell, ZL1AVC explain the design and operation of the KiwiSAT central power control system know as the Battery Control Regulator or BCR.
PCB Assembly and Translator Test - Video
STATUS REPORT more...
KiwiSAT - taking New Zealand into space!
Looming Up!
Transmitter Tray Loom
KiwiSAT takes another step forward as the wiring loom starts to grow. This is being developed using the mock-up structure, everything being transferred to the flight frames in the final assembly process.
Once this Transmitter Tray is complete Fred will be moving on to the Receiver System then the Scientific Attic.
Framing up!
Underside of Base Frame
Mike Jack of Stanier Engineering, a small specialist precision engineering company based in Auckland, has milled the main frame from solid blocks of Aluminium. The first tray is featured here as an example. Strength and precision are two major factors as this first plate, the foundation stone for the final structure, will carry the whole load at launch. For more detail see "The Structure" on our Status page.
Video - Mike and his CNC milling machine in action.
We are most grateful to Mike for the use of his costly machinery and for donating his very valuable time to this project.
KiwiSAT to carry environmental experiment! More ..
TRANSPONDER ON TEST!
The KiwiSAT (FlatSAT) is now "on air" from the AMSAT-ZL Clean Room. More ...
Project Overview & Current Status (7-June-2010)
We're not just building a satellite, we're helping Massey University in Auckland develop a satellite command station and space capable laboratory facilities.
Organization
AMSAT-ZL - New Zealand's Amateur Satellite Organization, active in the Amateur (Radio) Satellite Service under the Radio Regulations (ITU-R) of the ITU, is affiliated to The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (Inc), commonly known as NZART.
General
KiwiSAT will carry both amateur radio communications, and a scientific experiment in small satellite attitude control (ADCS).
KiwiSAT construction is now in the final phase of preparation for launch into a LEO orbit. Target launch date - mid 2011.
CONTRIBUTE
This project is financed entirely by voluntary donation. If you would like to play a part in his project, you can make a secure contribution using this PayPal Donations button.
(Our sincere gratitude for the excellent support to date, this has enabled us to reach the final construction phase prior to preparing the flight satellite package.)
AMSAT-ZL is indebted to the various NZART Branches who have contributed magnanimously, the many individual ZL amateurs, and the tremendous support from the amateur radio community around the world, to finance this pioneering project. More ...
Clarification
KiwiSAT is an orbiting satellite project by radio amateurs under a strict "not-for-profit" regime and should not be confused with KiwiSat, a commercial ground based animal tracking transmitter. As prime owners of the name KiwiSAT, AMSAT-ZL permit its use in the lower case format (KiwiSat 101) by SIRTRACK for their earth based animal tracking transmitter unit.
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