25/04/2024
37 views
0 likes
ESA’s YPSat has been shipped to Arianespace. Following a series of successful tests confirming its readiness for deployment, the payload is now headed to Europe’s Launch Site in French Guiana. The goal of YPSat is to capture all the key phases of Ariane 6’s inaugural flight.
YPSat has been a project run in its entirety by ESA Young Professionals to give them direct early experience in designing, building and testing hardware for space.
The work took place in their spare time during core business hours, along with additional work sessions during evenings and weekends, to keep up with all the work needed.
The payload will remain attached to the upper stage of the launcher throughout its approximately 3-hour-long operating life. In that time it will acquire images and video of Ariane 6’s fairing separation, the deployment of its CubeSats and in-orbit views of Earth and space.
In addition it will measure Earth’s magnetic field along the launch trajectory using an innovative quantum-based sensor while an on-board antenna will allow ham radio enthusiasts to make contact with YPSat.
Commemorating the efforts made to make delivery, the payload incorporates a panel with all the names of the YPSat team on one side, and the technical experts who provided them with advice on the other.
This delivery milestone not only underscores the remarkable efforts of the entire team involved but also serves as a moment to reflect on the progress made so far.
The journey to this moment has been fuelled by rigorous testing, dedication, and continuous commitment from a team of Young Professionals from all across the Agency.
Looking to the future now
Preparations for YPSat-2 are already underway. This next project aims to deploy two scientific experiments, hopefully from ESA’s reusable Space Rider spacecraft.
These payloads are designed to conduct sophisticated experiments that will enhance our understanding of life’s origin and the effects of microgravity on astronauts.
Originating from an idea among skilled science teams, the initiative for YPSat-2 is structured to ensure a comprehensive and meticulous approach to space experimentation.
Learning from the experiences of YPSat-1, the team is focused on refining processes and incorporating best practices to enhance the scientific objectives of the upcoming mission. Currently, approximately 30 Young Professionals are working diligently on YPSat-2, highlighting the high interest in the project across ESA sites.
Vendela Roxenborg, co-lead of YPSat-2 remarks: “Following the progress of the dedicated work from ESA Young Professionals to make YPSat-1 a success inspired me to engage in YPSat-2. These projects are very significant because they encourage Young Professionals to learn more about space, while solving real-life challenges and foster teamwork.”
As the team continues to expand their horizons, the YPSat missions represent a crucial element in the ongoing collaboration between young and seasoned professionals.