What is ESTCube?
ESTCube-1 (Estonian Student Satellite-1) ESTCube-1 is an Estonian student CubeSat project of the University of Tartu, which started in the summer of 2008. The objective is to get students involved in space projects.
What can CubeSats do?
With off-the-shelf parts and a compact size that allows them to hitch a ride with other missions — they can, for example, be ejected from the International Space Station, up to six at a time — CubeSats have slashed the cost of satellite development, opening up doors to test new instruments as well as to create …
How are CubeSats powered?
CubeSats use solar cells to convert solar light to electricity that is then stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that provide power during eclipse as well as during peak load times.
Is Estonia in the EC?
Estonia has 6 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU’s assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.
Who uses CubeSats?
NASA runs the extensive Small Spacecraft Technology Program as well as the CubeSat Launch Initiative. Previously selected CubeSats have studied near-Earth objects, space weather, Earth’s atmosphere and much more. In 2018, NASA launched its first pair of CubeSats designed for deep space — Mars Cube One, or MarCO.
How are CubeSats deployed?
As of 2014, one method of getting CubeSats to orbit is to transport them aboard a larger spacecraft as part of a cargo load to a larger space station. When this is done, deploying the CubeSats into orbit as a separate artificial satellite requires a special apparatus, such as the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer.
How long do CubeSats last?
Initial conditions were considered depending on some usual physical and orbital characteristics (weight of the satellite, semi-major axis, eccentricity and inclination of the orbit), for a CubeSat remain in orbit for a period not longer than 25 years.
Does Estonia have an air force?
The air force traces its history to 1918, and was re-established in its current form in 1991. As of 2016, the Estonian Air Force has a strength of 1568 personnel. It operates unarmed aircraft and several radar systems.