World's first smartphone-powered satellite, a 3U CubeSat co-developed with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, launched in 2013.
STRaND-1 Smartphone CubeSat
World's first smartphone-powered satellite, a 3U CubeSat co-developed with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, launched in 2013.
Description
STRaND-1 (Surrey Training, Research and Nanosatellite Demonstrator) is a 3U CubeSat co-developed by Northumbria University's Space Technology Research Group and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). Launched in February 2013 aboard a PSLV rocket, STRaND-1 became the world's first smartphone-powered satellite, using a Google Nexus One as its on-board computer. The mission demonstrated that commercial off-the-shelf smartphone technology could be adapted for space applications, validating miniaturised hardware in the harsh space environment. Northumbria contributed solar physics instruments and participated in mission design and testing.
Specifications
| Type | 3U CubeSat |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 10 x 10 x 34 cm |
| Mass | 3.2 kg |
| Launch | February 2013 |
| Launch Vehicle | PSLV-C20 |
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous LEO, ~785 km |
| Notable Feature | First smartphone-powered satellite |
| Partner | Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) |