HAMSAT

India

International Sat. n°:

Indian satellite n°: 41
Also called: VUSat, VO52 or Oscar-52

Launch data:

Designation 28650 / 05017B
Launch date 05 May 2005 - 04:45 UT
Launch site Sriharikota, SLP
Launch vehicle  PSLV C6 (#9)
Mission Government/Civil: Communications, amateur radio sat
Sun-Synchronous LEO Earth orbit on 5 May - 23:31 UT:
Perigee / Apogee 608 x 645 km
Eccentricity 2,00E-03
Inclination 97.91°
Period 97.24 min

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor  AMSAT-India, ISRO
Operator AMSAT-India
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Platform  
Mass at launch  42,5 kg
Dry Mass 42 kg
Basic shape  
Dimension  
Solar array  none, solar cells
DC power  
Payload 2 Transponders
Design lifetime  Still active

Description:

HAMSAT is a microsatellite for providing satellite based Amateur Radio Services to the national as well as the international community of Amateur Radio Operators (HAMs). Launched as an auxiliary payload along with CARTOSAT-1, the 42.5 kg HAMSAT will meet the long felt need of the Amateur Radio Operators in the South Asian region who possess the required equipment and operate in the UHF/VHF band based satellite radio communication. One of the transponders of HAMSAT has been developed indigenously involving Indian HAMs, with the expertise of ISRO and the experience of AMSAT-INDIA. The second transponder has been developed by a Dutch Amateur Radio Operator and Graduate Engineering student at Higher Technical Institute, Venlo, The Netherlands.

HAMSAT is India’s contribution to the international community of Amateur Radio Operators. This effort is also meant to bring ISRO’s satellite services within the reach of the common man and popularise space technology among the masses.

This satellite will play a valuable role in the national and international scenario by providing a low cost readily accessible and reliable means of communication during emergencies and calamities like floods, earthquakes, etc. Besides, it will stimulate technical interest and awareness among the younger generation by providing them with an opportunity to develop their technological projects including offering a platform. Some of the new technologies being tested in HAMSAT include Integrated Processor based Electronic Bus Management Unit, Lithium Ion Battery and Gallium Arsenide based Solar Panels.

After becoming operational, it has received the designation VO 52 or Oscar 52.

Ref.: #3(SD395), #7, #14, #102(SL33), #120, #226 - update: 19.05.12