AAC–Clyde, the former Clyde Space which is now a subsidiary of ÅAC Microtec AB, has received a construction contract from the Israeli firm NSLComm to build a 6U cubesat as the prototype for a propose communications constellation. The order is for delivery to orbit invovlign the construction and launch at the end of 2018. The NSLSat1 satellite is specifically designed to test out a small satellite unfurlable antenna which will be used for Ka-band broadband communications from orbit. If successful the system will be developed into a 60-100 satellite constellation.
Artist’s impression of NSLSat 1 in orbit Courtesy: NSLComm
The spacecraft, provided by AAC-Clyde, has been designed for increased performance and maximum volume availability for the antenna. The satellite is currently being built by a team of highly experienced spacecraft engineers in the heart of Glasgow and utilises a range of off-the-shelf and custom solutions in its design.
The antenna, which deploys once in space and has in-built smart technology which not only increases performance but also allows it to compensate for any imperfections, electromechanically adjusting itself when encountering insufficiencies and change the ground patterns accordingly.
