AuroraSat 1

AuroraSat 1 [Aurora]

The AuroraSat 1is an 1.5U CubeSat a technology demonstrator for Aurora Propusion Technologies' water-fueled thrusters for in-space propulsion.

The satellite was built by SatRevolution.

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.