Russia has completed the creation of the first CubeSat radar satellite — Aist-ST. The device has already passed ground tests, and the launch will take place at the end of 2025 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
The mini-satellite is equipped with the latest X-band synthetic aperture radar, which allows for round-the-clock observation in any weather.
Aist-ST will be able to determine ice thickness, assist in laying routes for icebreakers, and perform territory monitoring tasks in the interests of the Arctic and Antarctic.
When creating a device designed to operate in such orbits, it is possible to reduce its mass and dimensions while maintaining the specified characteristics of the target equipment.
The 16U format CubeSat was created at Samara University and the Special Technological Center. The former developed scientific modules and the platform, the latter — radar and propulsion system.
From an orbit of 500 km, the device will provide a resolution of up to 2.5 m in detailed mode and a swath width of at least 70 km.
An experiment to measure cosmic "dust" will be conducted on board. The Samara University module will assess the degree of contamination of the hull over a year of operation.
