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WG3K > ANS 24.09.24 01:21l 39 Lines 2073 Bytes #90 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS266.5
Read: GUEST
Subj: GreenCube (IO-117) Ceases Functioning Due to Radiation Damag
Path: IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<GB7CIP<N3HYM<WG3K
Sent: 240924/0017Z 8557@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
The GreenCube satellite, developed by S5LAB, has likely ceased functioning
due to radiation damage. After a successful mission that exceeded
expectations, the satellite is no longer responding to commands, and its
onboard radio is believed to have been compromised by the harsh radiation
environment in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Approximately ten days ago, GreenCube experienced a reboot, and telemetry
data from the event did not indicate any anomalies. However, the S5LAB team
now suspects that the satelliteâ€Ös radio was damaged, leading to the current
communication blackout. MEO is notoriously challenging for satellites due
to its high radiation levels, and GreenCube was not the only satellite
affected. Several other CubeSats launched alongside it only lasted a few
days, making GreenCubeâ€Ös extended mission duration a remarkable achievement.
Despite ongoing efforts to send commands and reactivate the satellite, the
team remains pessimistic about restoring GreenCubeâ€Ös functionality. The
satelliteâ€Ös survival in the hostile MEO environment is seen as a testament
to its robust design, but the likelihood of recovery is slim.
At this time, no successor to GreenCube is planned, primarily due to the
infrequency of launch opportunities to MEO. Launches to this orbit are
rare, which complicates the prospect of future missions.
In response to the satelliteâ€Ös success and the interest it generated among
radio amateurs, S5LAB has promised to host a webinar in collaboration with
AMSAT Italia. The event will provide insights into the GreenCube mission,
sharing the challenges and triumphs of the satelliteâ€Ös journey. This is an
opportunity for the amateur radio community to learn more about the
satelliteâ€Ös impact and the technical details behind its impressive mission.
While GreenCubeâ€Ös operational life may have ended, its contributions to
satellite technology and amateur radio will be remembered as a significant
milestone.
[Information from Piero IØKPT via Facebooks Greencube Group]
*[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]*
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