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International Space Station – February 3, 2006 – Russian scientists have launched the first-ever “SuitSat” into orbit today, making it the most cost effective satellite the world has seen.
Shortly after 4 p.m. CST, the crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossed out SuitSat, a Russian Orlan spacesuit outfitted with radio transmitter, three batteries and internal sensors. Those on the ground can listen for its signal. For most North American viewers, SuitSat should pass overhead at least once per day, usually between midnight and 4 a.m. The satellite’s progress can also be viewed by clicking here.
"SuitSat is a Russian brainstorm," Frank Bauer of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center told Aero-News Net. "Some of our Russian partners in the ISS program, mainly a group led by Sergey Samburov, had an idea: Maybe we can turn old spacesuits into useful satellites."
As the satellite circles Earth, it will transmit its condition to the ground. That is, if it works.
"Will the suit overheat? How long will the batteries last? Can we get a clear transmission if the suit tumbles?" said Bauer, asking a few of the questions surrounding the project.
Despite the possibility it may spin out of control or have its components burned by solar rays since it is not be equipped with an internal cooling system, if SuitSat is able to carry out its mission, it will pave the way for other SuitSats to follow. And that may represent a cost-effective way to put satellites into orbit, as well as present a way to get rid of old spacesuits that are no longer needed, yet take up valuable space inside the ISS.
The batteries on SuitSat are only expected to last a few days. After that, the suit's free-floating orbit will begin to degrade, before it eventually falls into the atmosphere and burns up, likely within six weeks after being deployed.
Want to tune in?
- If you want to tune into SuitSat, you’ll need an antenna and a radio receiver that you tune to 145.990 Mhz FM. A police band scanner or a ham radio will work.
- You’ll hear SuitSat transmit for 30 seconds, pause for 30 seconds, and then repeat the signal.
- The transmission will begin, followed by a prerecorded greeting in five languages.
- After the greeting, SuitSat will present information on its internal temperature, battery power, and elapsed mission time.
- Lastly, a surprise TV picture will be displayed. Students and ham radio groups with the equipment to see the transmission can win prizes by sending in their guesses of what it is.
- To determine when SuitSat will be in the skies over your house, click here to access NASA's J-Pass program. Enter your zip code to view a map of the skies in your area.
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Specially equipped with a radio transmitter and other gear, the Russian Orlan spacesuit is prepared for its journey.
Russian Cosmonaut Valery Tokarev prepares a Russian Orlan spacesuit for release from the International Space Station on Friday.
Tokarev readies the Russian Orlan spacesuit, ensuring that there are no problems following its release from the International Space Station.
Pictures from the International Space Station.
(All from http://www.suitsat.org/)
Learn More
Goddard Space Flight Center
View the Satellite’s Progress
NASA’s J-Pass Program
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