RazakSAT

2/9/2009

The objectives of the project are to provide high-resolution images for Malaysia and build Malaysian space technology capabilities through ATSB®. In order to meet the technology objective, a cost-effective high resolution imaging system for Earth observation specifically for a small satellite less than 200 kg was implemented. RazakSAT® carries the Medium-sized Aperture Camera (MAC) that will provide 2.5m resolution panchromatic and 5.0m resolution multi-spectral images. This project involves the design, development, launch and operations of the satellite.

The RazakSAT® satellite is planned to be launched near in the future on a USA launcher Falcon 1 owned and operated by the company Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). It will be a dedicated launch from kwajalein in the Republic of Marshall Islands which is situated very close to the equator to give the best orbital injection for RazakSAT® , i.e. near equatorial orbit (NEqO). RazakSAT®s images would be applied to forestry, fishery, migration and other areas that will benefit the nation.

It carries an electro-optical payload, a Medium-sized Aperture Camera (MAC) a pushbroom camera with 5 linear detectors (1 panchromatic, 4 multi-spectral). The RazakSAT® satellite will be operated through its ground segment in Malaysia, consisting of a Mission Control Station (MCS) and Image Receiving and Processing Station (IRPS). ATSB®'s engineers are operators at the MCS and they will execute the mission plan, command generation and telemetry receiving, archiving and analysis.

ATSB® is also involved in Sg Lang Ground Station implementation project committee. ATSB® has assisted in development of the system specification to support RazakSAT® Mission Control Station (MCS) and Image Receiving and Processing Station (IRPS).