AubieSat-1
Mission Overview
AubieSat-1 was launched as part of NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program. The mission was funded by Alabama Space Grant. The mission goal was to test two different types of solar panel encapsulation materials to protect from solar cell degradation over time.
Following its October 2011 launch, the satellite transmitted the Auburn University battle cry, “War Eagle” to Earth from space for the first time ever, in Morse Code over amateur radio. The satellite transmitted its beacon for about two years before becoming silent…the batteries reached their end of life.
During operation, the satellite sent battery voltage information down to Earth over the years, and Auburn University students analyzed that information for clues as to what happened to the solar panels and the onboard batteries in the harsh environment of space.
Going through the design, build, launch and operation lifecycle, the lessons of AubieSat-1 have proven to be invaluable in the development of the program’s new satellite missions.
AubieSat-1 is currently End-of-Mission but is still being tracked on orbit.
