Scientific purpose ESTCube-1
the first image of earth taken estcube-1 on may 15, 2013.
estcube-1 e-sail experiment
the structure illustration of cubesat estcube-1
estcube-1 structure
developed part of estonian student satellite program, estcube-1 educational project in university , high school students participated.
while emphasis placed on educating students during creation of estcube-1, did have scientific purpose. satellite carried electric solar wind sail (e-sail) invented finnish scientist pekka janhunen. during estcube-1 flight, 10 meters of 20–50 micrometer thick e-sail wire, referred heytether, deployed satellite. deployment of heytether detected decrease of satellite s rotation speed or onboard camera.
to control e-sail element s interaction both plasma surrounding earth , effect had on spacecraft s spinning speed, 2 nanotechnology electron emitters/guns on board. electron emitters connected e-sail element charged positively 500 volts shooting out electrons. positive ions in plasma intended push e-sail element , influence satellite s rotation speed. effect of plasma on e-sail measured change in said rotation speed. tether had been intended de-orbit satellite use plasma-brake demonstrate possibility returning small satellites orbit. color cmos camera on board capable of making raw-format pictures vga-resolution. camera used acquire images of earth , had been intended monitor deployment of heytether.
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