Guardian - Alpha (Pushan-Alpha)

Demonstrate a variety of technologies including an UltraScale+ high-performance computer.

Demonstrate a variety of technologies including an UltraScale+ high-performance computer coupled with a constellation management system based on an artificial neural network, a novel electrical power system, a compact attitude determination and control system, and a new thermal management system.

After the in-orbit demonstration, OrbAstro plans to launch its own cluster of formation flying nanosatellites to test remaining technologies the firm is developing, before focusing on the needs of larger constellations. Included:

• Ultrascale+ based OBC
• Novel long-life EPS, 36Wh
• Full ADCS with dual star-trackers and GPS
• SDR S-band transceiver
• Electric Propulsion
• 3rd-party hosted payloads
• Solar panels
• Ultra-light aluminium-carbon chassis
• COTS redundant UHF transceiver and solar panel are included to de-risk.

They will also de-risk our Guardian satellites. Total satellite mass is 1.66kg (not including 3rd-party hosted payloads & COTS redundant systems).

When the build-trigger was pulled, nuts/bolts to flight-qualified satellite shipped out the door: 5 days. There were some teething issues. Our aim for the Dec mission is 3 days. We are building batch-production capabilities with a lot of automation involved. More on that in a later post.