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Polish students to send satellite into space

PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea 26.10.2016 15:47
An innovative satellite designed by Warsaw students with the aim of cutting down on space debris will be launched in December next year.
Photo: Marcin Świetlik.Photo: Marcin Świetlik.

Warsaw University of Technology has signed a contract for the launch of its PW-Sat2 satellite from Vandenberg, US. It will be carried into space by a Falcon rocket.

The satellite will be equipped with a so-called deorbitation sail system, akin to a drag parachute. The mechanism will be released after the satellite completes its mission.

By increasing drag, the sail slows the satellite, causing it to descend to earth and burn up in the atmosphere, rather than remaining in orbit and becoming another piece of junk floating around the planet.

“This is our innovative idea to fight against space debris. We will be testing its efficiency,” said Inna Uwarowa, who coordinates the project.

The satellite cost EUR 60,000 to build, with funding from the European Space Agency.

A further EUR 180,000 has been contributed by Poland’s Science Ministry to finance the launch.

The PW-Sat2 is the second satellite designed by students from the Warsaw University of Technology that will enter into orbit. (vb/pk)

Source: pw-sat.pl, IAR

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