The research team from the Laboratory of Electromagnetic Theory of the Democritus University of Thrace (LET/DUTH), through long-term involvement in the field of technology and space science, was selected to participate in the initiative QB50 for launching 50 nano-satellites of the CubeSat type by institutes and universities from around the world, for the purpose of exploring the upper atmosphere.

LET/DUTH is participating in the QB50 programme with the satellite GR01-DUTHSat. The GR01-DUTHSat was built by engineers, postdoctorate, postgraduate, and undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace. Through the program "Excellence" the infrastructure and the capabilities of LET/DUTH were strengthened with regard to building the Greek nano-satellite. At the same time, an innovative ultra low-power data acquisition unit was designed, which includes a low-consumption 12 bit ADC with resistance to space radiation levels of >1 Mrad. The integrated circuit designed by the laboratory is rechargeable through the collection and digitisation of analogue signals from sensors, which it transmits to the nano-satellite's computer for processing and broadcasting.

Its expected performance far exceeds the performance of respective units available for space applications in terms of power consumption and resistance to radiation, and it is expected that use of the GR01-DUTHSat satellite will demonstrate its unique advantages for use in next generation nano-satellites and pico-satellites. The QB50 satellites were launched to the International Space Station on 19 April 2017, while GR01-DUTHSat was set into orbit on 25 May 2017 and since then has successfully sent data and received commands from the ground station. The innovative data acquisition unit is functioning as expected, with collection of currents, voltages and temperatures at various points of the satellite, constantly checking for the proper functioning of the satellite by sending the necessary operating data (essential telemetry).

More info: http://www.duthsat.gr/

Benefits: Over the course of the project, experience has been gained by engineers and laboratory researchers as well as trained postgraduate students at all stages of satellite construction, from the design and construction of the subsystems to final assembly, testing, and remote operation of the satellite from the DUTH Ground Station.

Budget: €300,000