Satellite builders from RESHETNEV reported on one of their new developments. An innovative method for spacecraft orientation has already been successfully tested on the first device of the federal Sfera project, the demonstrator satellite SKIF-D . It has been in space since autumn 2022, providing high-quality live video communication and other tasks.
A distinctive feature of the orientation method developed at the enterprise is the exclusion of the solar sensor and angular velocity meter from the standard instrument set, which was previously used on low-orbit satellites. On the SKIF-D demonstrator spacecraft, their functions were performed by a magnetometer and a star sensor. Reshetnev employees also created new algorithms for performing the spacecraft's settling modes and its orientation to the Sun. This approach made it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the SKIF-D satellite and reduce the amount of testing. Testing in space conditions confirmed the correctness of the technical solutions proposed by the company's specialists.
The new orientation method will be used on spacecraft for the Marathon IoT multi-satellite data transmission system, the first satellites of which will be launched into orbit by the end of the year. Work is underway to adapt this method for the Gonets-M1 and SKIF devices.
Also, to optimize and speed up production, RESHETNEV this year began creating its own section for assembling and testing payload modules for the Express-AMU4, Express-RV, Yamal-501, Luch-5VM communication spacecraft and other satellites. For the same purpose, satellite builders are opening their own production of waveguides.
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