The constellation of nanosatellites, consisting of 3 satellites, is called MDASat (Marine Domain Awareness). A nanosatellite is smaller than popular satellites and weighs between 1 kg and 10 kg; it is an affordable and functional option. The average mass of our satellites is 2. 1 kg.
MDASat is designed to collect data that will protect and cover South Africa’s marine resources. The constellation will detect, monitor and identify foreign vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone. This will only help track illegal dumping and fishing.
Our hope, as the team that evolved and designed the constellation (I am the interim lead engineer of the project), is that MDASat will maintain the country’s ocean sovereignty and protect our marine resources.
This project follows the successful development, launch and operation of two other nanosatellites: ZACUBE-1, known as TshepisoSat, and ZACUBE-2.
This is an exciting time only for the establishment and for South Africa, but also for the continent of Greater Africa: this is the first satellite constellation developed and designed in Africa. Other African countries, in addition to Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Ghana, have sent satellites into space. But those were developed and designed on the continent; they referred to partnerships with non-African nations or companies.
This is because the more countries and scientists involved in the area, the greater: it allows for greater collaboration and introduces new technical techniques for processing information. Different knowledge can be used for all sorts of purposes, such as tracking the area’s climate and tracking grasses and seafarers. Resources.
MDASat Role
The January 13 launch sent 3 satellites from the MDA constellation (we expect to launch nine in total as part of this constellation) into space. MDASat-1 will use knowledge of the automatic identity formula to monitor vessel movements in South Africa’s exclusive economic zone. The automatic identity formula is a radio formula used to track vessel traffic. Location messages obtained via satellites from ships in the ocean are downloaded from the satellite as it passes over the floor station on the university campus in Bellville, Cape Town.
Satellites can do several things. For example, they can get live updates, which means the software can evolve and load into the orbiting satellite when it’s ready. They can also collect raw data, the ability to diagnose signal interference and decode messages. monitor the reputation of the satellites’ suitability. If they find software bugs or electronic flaws, we would possibly investigate this data and then apply patches or backup maneuvers.
MDASat also has an advanced knowledge interface. This means that it uses all the available bandwidth so that it works optimally and can transmit maximum knowledge.
These improvements pave the way for the progression and long-term launch of MDASat-2. They also minimize the threat of damage to the existing payload due to the weather conditions of the area.
First, each satellite will pass through the floor station on average 4 times a day, but this will accumulate steadily. The satellites will move away over time, and as they move away, we’ll have an average of 12 passes consistent with the day. We expect an average of 1883,000 bytes of knowledge to be generated according to the pass and satellite.
At the same time, we are still following the ZACUBE-2 introduced in the past. It also tracks ships, as well as wildfires and plant fires. Since its launch in 2018, ZACube-2 has provided ultra-high frequency knowledge-sharing communication systems. to the country’s maritime industry, as a contribution to Operation Phakisa. This government initiative aims to promote several previous projects.
Another African Connection
Space engineering projects began at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2008. Today, they are coordinated through the institution’s African Centre for Space Innovation.
We work in laboratories near the institution’s Bellville campus. Our satellites are built to last and remain valid: they pass a rigorous flight acceptance exam that confirms not only that they have compatibility for space travel, but that they will serve as once they are there. The review includes environmental testing so that mechanical shocks do not erase thermal and satellite tests so they can operate within designated temperature ranges.
There was another South African detail at the January 13 launch: MDASat presented through SpaceX, the company founded by South African entrepreneur Elon Musk. that occasion. The rocket carried a total of 105 spacecraft that will collect information for other entities.
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