ESTCube-2 Satellite Launch Postponed

The student satellite ESTCube-2 being developed at the Tartu Observatory of the University of Tartu is almost ready for launch, but the handover to rocket company Arianespace that was originally planned for June 14 was postponed to the beginning of autumn. The reason for the delay is an extension to the production time for the main payload, the plasma brake module, which also extends the window for the first possible take-off time. However, the ESTCube-2 is still expected to be launched into space by the end of 2022.

The main goal for ESTCube-2 is testing the plasma brake technology, which will remove defunct satellites orbiting in space and reduce space debris. “The necessary technology is being assembled in the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). The FMI was in development on a new version of the plasma brake so we agreed to take another few months to perfect it,” said ESTCube-2 project manager Hans Teras about the extended launch time. “Instead of rushing, it makes sense to wait for all of the components of the satellite to be finished and securely assembled. Arianespace has offered our satellite a spot on their next mission, VV23, which works very well for us.”

There is a positive side to the delay for the ESTCube engineers, who now have more time to test the satellite. Even now, the Tartu Observatory is running very specifically designed tests on how the satellite’s hardware will function in space and launch conditions. The software for the satellite is the last part still in active development. When the team receives the last part of the hardware – the plasma brake test module – they can finalize the testing on the satellite.

ESTCube spokesperson Karl Vilhem Valter talked about the current state of the satellite’s completion and postponing the launch date on the Kanal 2 show “Õhtu!” on April 19th (available only in Estonian).

More information:
Katriin Kristmann
Lead of Communication
Eesti Tudengisatelliidi SA/ESTCube
katriin.kristmann@estcbe.eu
Tel: 58627700