Australian-made SpIRIT nanosatellite prepares for launch

The Australian-made SpIRIT nanosatellite is scheduled for launch this week, which means we’re getting very close to the in-orbit demonstration of some amazing 🇦🇺 technology.

As well as leading the project, The University of Melbourne created three new systems that feature inside the satellite’s shoebox-sized body. The Thermal Management Integrated System provides precision temperature control of sensitive instrumentation on board the satellite. The Mercury low-latency communications module allows SpIRIT to transmit time-critical data with minimal delay, and autonomously switches between transceivers for optimal coverage. And lastly, there’s the Payload Management System – which allows satellite users to integrate complex instrumentation into off-the-shelf satellite buses, while also controlling instrument operations and carrying out advanced on-board data processing.

Like the other Australian technologies on board, these three systems are designed to serve the booming global nanosatellite market, and the SpIRIT mission is a major opportunity to showcase their capabilities to the world.

SpIRIT is supported by the Agency’s International Space Investment and Moon to Mars initiatives.

Read more about its journey to the launchpad here: https://www.space.gov.au/.../spirit-c...