AURORASAT-1
PAYLOADS FROM IDEA TO INTEGRATION IN 6 MONTHS
This fast pace was achieved by collaborating with SatRevolution and Rocket Labs which ensured the most efficient use of our internal resources. It also gave us an opportunity to benchmark our vast network of New Space connections.
AuroraSat-1, a 1.5U CubeSat, launched to Low Earth Orbit in early 2022. The satellite’s primary payloads are ARM-A and APB modules. We’re proud that these modules are true to our original goal of providing reliable, volume and weight efficient propulsion and deorbiting capabilities.
ARM-A – Worlds smallest water thruster for satellite maneuvering
Aurora Resistojet Module is a product line that gives a spacecraft propulsion-based mobility control. AuroraSat-1 includes a small version of our attitude control variant of Aurora Resistojet Module. This module consists of 6 resistojet thrusters giving the CubeSat speedy detumbling capabilities and full propulsion-based attitude control. The propellant is a water-based mixture with a freezing point of well below negative 10 degrees centigrade.
APB – Plasma brake for deorbiting responsibly after the mission
Aurora Plasma Brake is a revolutionary deorbiting device. Plasma brake does not use any propellant, instead it utilises the interaction of ionospheric plasma and a charged microtether to generate Coulomb drag. This is similar to atmospheric drag-based devices, but unlike them, microtether is safe to other spacecraft and the Coulomb drag is orders of magnitude stronger than atmospheric drag. This difference in deaccelerating forces is even larger as the orbital altitude increases. AuroraSat-1 includes a twin Aurora Plasma Brake module, which has for testing purposes two independent deployable spools of microtether in addition to all the control electronics. We are confident that this technology will be a gamechanger in the deorbiting area especially on orbits where aero drag deorbiting is infeasible.
SPACE POCKET AND AN EXCITING TEST PAYLOAD RIDE-SHARES WITH AURORASAT-1
We’re excited to have Space Pocket and a piece of KONE’s revolutionary elevator hoisting rope, KONE UltraRope®, as a test payload on this historic mission!
KONE is a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry with over 60 000 employees, more at: www.kone.com.
Space Pocket is a revolutionary ride-sharing solution for sending samples into Earth orbit for inspiration and for science! Space Pocket has been developed in collaboration by two Finnish start-ups: Avaru Space and Aurora Propulsion Technologies.
STRIDER MISSION
COMBINING EXPERTISE FROM HALL-EFFECT AND RESISTOJET THRUSTERS TO PROVIDE AN ULTIMATE PROPULSION MODULE
Strider mission is IOD for our Multimodal Electric Propulsion Engine system, onboard a 12U satellite. The MEPE system is developed with Aliena, combining the expertise of both companies.
OTHER MISSIONS
AURORA PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES HAS BEEN A SELECTED PROVIDER OF COMPONENTS AND MACHINING SERVICES FOR MULTIPLE MISSIONS
We have delivered components and machining services for multiple academic missions including Foresail-1, Foresail-2 and Aalto satellites.
We have also delivered components and machining services for multiple space technology companies in Finland and abroad. Our machined components are in multiple satellites currently in-orbit.
