Sagansat 0

Sagansat 0 [Saga Prefectural Space and Science Museum]

SaganSat 0 is a 1U-CubeSat developed in Japan by Saga Prefecture in collaboration with the Saga Prefectural Space and Science Museum “Yumeginga,” multiple high schools in the region, and the Kyushu Institute of Technology. The satellite is intended primarily as an educational platform to promote ?vc science and technology engagement among high school students in Saga Prefecture.

The mission focuses on hands-on student involvement in satellite development and operation, with several experimental payloads designed for both educational and scientific purposes. These include capturing full-dome imagery using two 360-degree cameras, enabling immersive visualization of Earth and space. The satellite also carries an infrared camera to photograph cloud formations and measure their distribution and density. Another payload measures gamma radiation levels in orbit and converts the collected data into sound, providing an innovative approach to data interpretation. Additionally, SaganSat0 supports an Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) digipeater, enabling digital message relay services for amateur radio users.

The satellite was developed through a collaborative educational framework involving Saga Prefecture, the Saga Prefectural Space and Science Museum “Yumeginga,” and several local high schools, including Arita Technical High School, Karatsu-higashi Senior High School, Takeo High School, Hokuryo High School, and Waseda Saga High School. Technical guidance and support were provided by the Kyushu Institute of Technology. The project emphasizes practical training in satellite engineering, data acquisition, and mission operations, giving students direct exposure to real-world space systems.

SaganSat0 integrates dual 360° cameras, an infrared imaging system for atmospheric observation, a gamma-ray sensor with audio conversion capability, and an APRS digipeater payload.

It was launched in August 2024 onboard of Cygnus CRS-21 to the ISS, where it was deployed on 29 August 2024.