Defence’s first sovereign-built and operated satellite in 50 years is currently orbiting 590 kilometres above Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit.
The Buccaneer CubeSat launched in March last year on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and has spent its time collecting high-frequency (HF) measurements to improve Defence’s understanding of radio-frequency propagation through the ionosphere.
HF technologies are used throughout the Australian Defence Force. By bouncing signals off the ionosphere, HF radiowaves can achieve extremely long ranges for radar and communications.
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) scientist Paul Alvino, the satellite’s assembly, integration and test lead, said gaps remained in understanding radio-frequency propagation through the ionosphere.
“The data collected helps validate models of the ionosphere that are critical to developing future Defence technologies,” Mr Alvino said.
“DSTG’s HF research is internationally renowned, with team members often embedding with allies to share expertise and knowledge.”
The satellite’s utility extends beyond HF research. As Defence places greater emphasis on the space domain, supporting sovereign space capabilities is laying the groundwork for future projects and procurements.
Mr Alvino said this was important because Defence needed people with the knowledge and experience to help inform space capability requirements, purchasing decisions and operation of future systems.
‘The data collected helps validate models of the ionosphere that are critical to developing future Defence technologies.’
The Buccaneer is a CubeSat, meaning it is roughly the size of a briefcase. But its core systems for power, positioning and communications can be readily scaled up for more ambitious projects now that the in-house knowledge and expertise to develop and operate them have been established.
“Buccaneer is an enabler for future space projects,” Mr Alvino said.
Buccaneer is the first Defence space mission developed with Australian industry and operated entirely from Australian soil, with mission control based at DSTG Edinburgh in South Australia.
It is also the first satellite to use a liquid lens in space for Earth observation and self-imaging, according to Mr Alvino, enabling the camera to be focused for near and far ranges with significantly less mechanical moving parts.
The camera is attached to a retractable aluminium arm similar to a selfie stick (necessary for compact stowage during launch), demonstrating a proof of concept beyond the satellite’s primary HF radiowave mission.
How well a liquid lens would withstand the harsh environment of space, including radiation exposure and extreme temperature variations, was previously unknown.
These secondary systems explore new areas of research in space engineering for application in Defence.
‘Buccaneer is an enabler for future space projects.’
Buccaneer carries a laser terminal, which aims to demonstrate high-speed space-to-ground optical communication.
An unusual design choice was made for the satellite’s HF radio-wave antenna. Rather than a custom-built component, the design team used several standard tape measures purchased from hardware stores after finding they possessed all the properties required at a fraction of the cost.
“It’s metal, and its unique ability to go from rolled up and compact to extended and rigid when deployed made it perfect,” Mr Alvino said.
The team also left their mark on the satellite, signing their names in several locations, some visible from the onboard camera.
Atmospheric drag is gradually slowing the satellite, with current modelling indicating it will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in about eight years, burning up on re-entry and bringing its mission to an end.
The Buccaneer program aims to advance Australia’s expertise in space experimentation and research, and provide a stepping stone to improving capabilities for Defence.
