Adelis-SAMSON – Technion Nanosatellites in Space
Facts about the Adelis-SAMSON project from the Asher Space Research Institute
The launch of the Technion nanosatellites into orbit took place on Monday, March 22nd, from Kazakhstan. Mazal tov!
Human capital
The Adelis-SAMSON project will be launched into space this weekend after years of planning, development, construction, and improvements. The project was carried out by a committed and dedicated team at the Technion, led by Professor Pini Gurfil of the Asher Space Research Institute. The team members are Avner Keidar, Hovik Agalarian, Dr. Vladimir Balabanov, Eviatar Adlerman, Yaron Oz, Maxim Rubanovich, Margarita Shamis, Yulia Koneivsky, Tzachi Ezra, and Dr. Alex Frid.
Ground Control
Satellite tracking and data collection will take place at Technion’s mission control center, which was inaugurated in 2018. Built with the support of the Adelis Foundation, the center contains an array of Israeli-made antennae manufactured by “Orbit,” which will maintain continuous communication with the satellites. This is a huge challenge because of their proximity to each other.
Technological innovation
Being the first project of its kind, the Adelis-SAMSON project is a technological leap that is underway after years of interdisciplinary research and collaboration between the Technion and industry, including new and original developments. In order for the three satellites to travel in formation and fulfill their missions, each was each installed with sensors, antennae, computer systems, control systems, navigation devices, a unique and innovative propulsion system, and a mission receiver developed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI).
Launch
The Adelis-SAMSON satellites will be launched over the weekend from the “Baikonur” Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan – the world’s first spaceport and the first site to launch people into space (April 1961, Yuri Gagarin). The three satellites will be launched along with dozens of satellites from 18 countries, including Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.
The Adelis-SAMSON satellites will enter orbit 4 hours and 20 minutes after the launch. They will “wake up” 30 minutes later, and their systems will start operating. The first communication with the control center at the Technion is expected on Saturday afternoon.
