Alfa Crux (AlfraCrux)

Research and experiments to be carried out in the communications field.

Research and experiments to be carried out in the communications field. Also study the effects of the space weather on satellite communications in equatorial latitudes.

A team of students from UnB will participate in the development of a complete CubeSat-type mission, from its design to the integration of subsystems and payload, performing verification tests and operating the satellite once in orbit. All this will be possible thanks to Alén Space’s partnership with UnB allowing the use of its facilities through a hands-on training programme.

The integration and validation of the CubeSat will take place this summer at Alén Space’s facilities, with the presence of the Brazilian students. The goal is for the nanosatellite to be ready and delivered to the launcher in October or November 2021. This planning will allow the complete mission to be carried out in a record time of eight months.

Together, the Galician and Brazilian teams will work on the Alfa Crux satellite, a 1U platform, which includes a power system, solar panels, batteries, on-board computer, communications system, antennas and structure; on-board and mission control software; a TOTEM SDR communications payload, prepared to provide communications demonstrations and to carry out SDR (Software Defined Radio) experiments. On the top of all it, an integral GS-Kit solution for the installation of a satellite tracking ground station at the University of Brasilia.