nCube: The First Norwegian Student Satellite

• Main Authors: Riise, Å.G., Samuelsen, B.C.H., Sokolova, N., Cederblad, H.D., Fasseland, J., Nordin, C.O., Sæther, E.T., Otterstad, J., Fauske, K.M., Eriksen, O.E.N., Indergaard, F.M., Svartveit, K., Furebotten, P.E.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2003
• Subjects: Longyearbyen; Narvik; Norway; Svalbard
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/smallsat/2003/All2003/49; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1791&context=smallsat

nCube is a picosatellite complying with the CubeSat standard. It is built completely by students in their final year of their Master education in different Norwegian Institutes. The cross institutional project is mainly sponsored by Norwegian space related industry. The satellite is due to launch March 2004 from Dnepr in Ukraine. The concept incorporates use of a miniaturized version of an Automatic Identification System receiver which will be uploaded the coordinates of reindeer herds, making the Agricultural University of Norway able to track them. The satellite will also be able to surveillance regular marine traffic with certain filter options. nCube is equipped with instruments to determine the attitude based both on solar cell lighting conditions and measurements on the earth magnetic field. Two techniques of controlling the attitude are implemented; by the use of magnetic coils, and gravity gradient stabilization. Communication with the satellite is achieved by the use of AMSAT frequencies in the amateur band and the AX.25 protocol. The project has built its own ground station, which is situated in Narvik City N 68.26 E 17.25, an additional station will be built at Longyearbyen Svalbard and the ground stations will be added to the Federated Ground Network.