AEROS MH-1
| Operator | AEROS Consortium |
|---|---|
| COSPAR ID | 2024-043AZ |
| SATCAT no. | 59145 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | 3U CubeSat |
| Payload mass | 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) |
| Dimensions | 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm (3U) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 4 March 2024, 22:05 (UTC) |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Period | 90 minutes |
The AEROS MH-1 is a Portuguese nanosatellite that is currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of around 510 km.[1] Launched on 4 March 2024 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, it is Portugal's second ever satellite, after the PoSAT-1.[2] Its purpose is ocean mapping and observation, with particular interest in the Portuguese exclusive economic zone in the Atlantic Ocean.[3]
Background and function[edit]
The AEROS MH-1 was launched to map and observe the oceans of planet Earth,[4] with particular interest in the Atlantic Ocean, since the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone is located there.[5] It was Portugal's second ever satellite, second only to 1993's PoSAT-1, and its meant to be the first step towards making Portugal “a space nation by the end of the 2020s”.[6]
Work on the satellite began in 2020 and it represents an investment of 2.78 million euros, co-financed by 1.88 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).[7] Its name is a homage to Manuel Heitor, former Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education.[2]
Launch[edit]
The AEROS MH-1 was launched on 4 March 2024, 14:05 PTZ, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California,[8][9] aboard Space X's Falcon 9, as part of the Transporter 10 mission.[3] It was first Portuguese satellite to be launched into space in over thirty years.[10]
Aftermath[edit]
The satellite now orbits at an altitude of around 510 km, slightly above the International Space Station.[11] Communications and data collection are carried out from the island of Santa Maria in the Azores.[12]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "IN+ | AEROS MH-1, the first satellite totally developed in Portugal was sent to space". in3.dem.ist.utl.pt. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
- ^ a b "Satélite português: "Ao fim de 24 horas vamos ter as primeiras comunicações com o MH-1"". SIC Notícias (in Portuguese). 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ a b SAPO. "Portugal volta ao espaço com nanosatélite. MH-1 foi lançado a bordo do Falcon 9". SAPO Tek (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-03-27.
- ^ "Portugal to launch satellite". www.theportugalnews.com. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Satélite Aeros: oito segundos para mais uma jornada portuguesa no Espaço". Expresso (in Portuguese). 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "30 years on from PoSAT-1, Portugal returns to major space initiatives". www.portugal.gov.pt. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ SAPO. "Trinta anos depois, Portugal lança o seu segundo satélite". SAPO 24 (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "AEROS será o segundo satélite português no espaço". Portugal Space (in European Portuguese). 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "30 anos depois há um novo satélite português no espaço". 4gnews | Notícias de tecnologia e reviews especializadas (in European Portuguese). 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Segundo satélite português já foi enviado para o espaço". euronews (in Portuguese). 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Satélite português em órbita vai estudar o Atlântico". www.cmjornal.pt (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Portugal lança segundo satélite para o espaço após 30 anos". SIC Notícias (in Portuguese). 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-08.