University of Padova – Alba CubeSat

Alba CubeSat UniPD is a student team from the University of Padova dedicated to developing and launching a satellite. The team has successfully completed the European Space Agency (ESA) program called Fly Your Satellite! - Design Booster, which provided guidance and support from ESA specialists for nano-satellite design optimization. The team is currently working on AlbaSat, a 2U CubeSat designed to study the micro-debris environment in Earth's orbit, measure onboard microvibrations, conduct precise orbit determination through laser ranging, and investigate alternative systems for potential Satellite Quantum Communication applications on nanosatellites. AlbaSat is equipped with four payloads: an impact sensor, a micro-vibration sensor, Corner Cube Retroreflectors, and a Modulating Retro Reflector. The mission also utilizes subsystems including Telemetry, Tracking and Control System (TT&C), Electric Power System (EPS), Attitude Determination Control System (ADCS), and On-Board Computer (OBC). The team collaborates with QuantumFuture from the Department of Information Engineering (DEI) for Satellite Quantum Communication and receives technical support for a Ground Station from the radio amateurs section of Padova (ARI Padova). The University of Padova is located in Padova, Italy.