Pehuensat-1: Argentina's Educational Amateur Radio Satellite
Pehuensat-1, also known as PO 63, PehuenSat-OSCAR 63, or NanoPehuenSat, represents a significant milestone in Argentine aerospace education. Built entirely within Argentina, this satellite was designed with primary educational objectives, providing students and teachers with hands-on experience in satellite development and orbital operations.
The satellite takes its name from the pehuén, an ancient native tree found in the Andean Patagonian forests. This choice of name honors the provinces where the university responsible for the project maintains its academic headquarters.
Development and Launch
The creation of Pehuensat-1 was a collaborative effort involving 17 teachers and 44 students from the Faculty of Engineering at the Universidad Nacional del Comahue in Neuquén. The assembly process spanned five years of dedicated work. In October 2006, the satellite was transported to the launch center in Shriharikota, India, by Argentine space researcher Pablo de León.
On January 10, 2007, at 9:23 a.m. Indian time (1:53 a.m. Argentine time), Pehuensat-1 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center. It was carried into space by the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C7 rocket. Within 20 minutes of launch, the spacecraft successfully reached its intended orbit.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Pehuensat-1 was designed as a lightweight, durable spacecraft. It featured a space-grade aluminum case structure and solar panels mounted on one of its faces to provide power. The internal electronics consisted of a computer, a transmitter, and two battery packs recharged via solar energy. A dedicated antenna was used to transmit satellite parameters back to ground stations.
Operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—the region of space relatively close to Earth's surface—the satellite traveled at speeds of approximately 27,000 kilometers per hour (7.5 km/s). It was engineered to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations of space, ranging from -120 °C (-184 °F) when passing through Earth's shadow to 100 °C (212 °F) when exposed to direct sunlight.
Global Educational Outreach
The satellite served as a global resource for high schools and universities. By transmitting data in Spanish, English, and Hindi, it allowed amateur radio receivers worldwide to engage with its signals. Operators could tune into the 145.825 MHz frequency in the 2-meter band using FM mode to receive data as the satellite flew over their location.
Key Facts
- Origin: Entirely built in Argentina by the Universidad Nacional del Comahue.
- Launch Date: January 10, 2007.
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV C7 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, India.
- Mass: 6 kilograms.
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a period of 96.7 minutes.
- Communication: Transmitted in Spanish, English, and Hindi on 145.825 MHz.
- Mission End: Decayed on January 16, 2023.
Mission Summary
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| COSPAR ID / SATCAT | 2007-001D / 29712 |
| Periapsis / Apoapsis | 596 km / 615 km |
| Orbital Period | 96.7 minutes |
| Operators | Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Asociación Argentina de Tecnología Espacial, AMSAT Argentina |
| Temperature Range | -120 °C to 100 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of Pehuensat-1?
Pehuensat-1 was built with educational objectives, allowing students and teachers from the Universidad Nacional del Comahue to gain practical experience in satellite construction and operation.
How did the satellite communicate with people on Earth?
It transmitted data in Spanish, English, and Hindi via the 145.825 MHz frequency in the 2-meter band using FM mode, making it accessible to amateur radio operators globally.
Who was responsible for building the satellite?
The satellite was developed by a team of 17 teachers and 44 students from the Faculty of Engineering at the Universidad Nacional del Comahue in Neuquén, Argentina.
When did the Pehuensat-1 mission end?
The satellite remained in orbit for several years before finally decaying on January 16, 2023.
What rocket was used to launch Pehuensat-1?
It was launched aboard the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C7 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India.