ROCKET LAUNCH
"We are limited only by our imagination and our will to act."
– Ronald J. Garan Jr. NASA Astronaut
ROCKET LAUNCH: How does my satellite get into space?
Your AmbaSat-1 satellite, also known as a CHIPSAT, will travel into space inside the AmbaSat 3U CubeSat which is secured inside the launch rocket. The CubeSat is a rectangular structure which measures approximately 10cm x 10cm x 34cm. Inside the 3U container, there are up to 25 ‘Flight Trays’, with each carrying eight AmbaSat-1 Space Satellites.
Your Very Own Spacecraft, live in space!
On reaching Low Earth Orbit, around 300 km – 500 km above the earth, the rocket will deploy the AmbaSat 3U CubeSat or hosted payload. A radio transmission will then be sent from our ground station with the command to wake up the AmbaSat Mission Control Computer and begin powering the AmbaSat-1 Satellites. From this point, you will start to receive telemetry and sensor data will be transmitted to your AmbaSat Dashboard.
Technical Documents:
The AmbaSat 3U CubeSat, Rocket Launches and Communications
200 AmbaSats into LEO
The CubeSat can hold up to 200 AmbaSats and transports them into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
ONE month in space
At an altitude of about 300 km, the container and AmbaSats spend about one month in LEO
20,000 Ground Stations
Over 20,000 radio ground stations spread right across the world listen for AmbaSat telemetry
Rocket Launches start in 2025
Deployed payload launches are scheduled for 2025, with UK launches following
AmbaSat's UK rocket launch partner : Skyrora
Skyrora XL Three-stage Rocket
Skyrora XL is a three stage launch vehicle intended to place payloads between 200km and 1,000km altitudes
Rocket Length > 22 meters
Skyrora XL stands 22.7 meters tall with a total lift-off mass in excess of 55,000 kilograms
Payload Mass > 315KG
An encapsulated payload module with push-rod springs that will deploy the AmbaSat Container to LEO
The AmbaSat Rocket Launch Details
The AmbaSat 3U CubeSat and AmbaSat-1 Satellites
Your AmbaSat-1 Space Satellite, known as a CHIPSAT or femtosat class of satellite, measures 35 x 35 x 5 mm. Eight satellites fit on a stackable ‘Flight Tray’, and a stack of 25 trays fits inside the AmbaSat 3U CubeSat which equates to 200 satellites per launch. Each satellite remains inside the container for the duration of the mission.
A step-by-step guide to getting your AmbaSat into Low Earth Orbit
Once you have purchased your AmbaSat Rocket Kit, we will ship it via tracked delivery to you. This usually takes about 5 days. After you receive your kit, follow our step-by-step guide to assembling your AmbaSat-1 and chosen sensor, then coding it using one of the available templates. The whole process can take up to 10 hours. Once you are happy that everything is working, we will provide you with a unique ‘slot’ number which is your reserved slot onboard the AmbaSat 3U CubeSat. Approximately 3 months prior to launch, we will ask you to send back your assembled AmbaSat-1. We will then perform some tests before installing your AmbaSat-1 onto a Flight Tray and then into the CubeSat ready for launch.
Satellites remain inside the CubeSat for the duration of the Mission
Due to licensing constraints, the chipsats will remain inside the 3U CubeSat for the duration of the mission. The open-case design of the 3U means that all AmbaSats will function in exactly the same manner as if they were in free flight. An additional benefit of this design is that power requirements and radio communications will be supported by the 3U CubeSat.
Hosted Payload versus Deployed Payload
A hosted or shared payload is one where the AmbaSat CubeSat is hosted as part of another satellite deployment. This has a number of advantages which include no licence requirements, the supply of host power and comms systems, and more cost-effective launches. We are currently in negotiations with a number of providers regarding hosted payload missions. Concurrently, we are also applying for our CAA licence to allow AmbaSats to be deployed.
Readying Your Satellite for Rocket Launch
Whether you are an individual, business or educational establishment, the process is the same: Once you have assembled your satellite, programmed it and fully tested it using our Quality Control test procedures which are documented as part of the kit, you must then wait for notification of your rocket launch schedule. Launch slots are allocated during the purchase of the satellite kit. Once we are notified of the rocket launch schedule, there is a 3 – 6 month period where you return your satellite to AmbaSat, where it will undergo final tests before being mounted inside the 3U Container.
Launch Day - Live Stream Video and Telemetry via the Dashboard
On launch day, we aim to provide a live stream of the rocket launch. Once the CubeSat is deployed into Low Earth Orbit, telemetry data from your AmbaSat will be received via the Dashboard. Radio signals will be sent using LoRaWAN which makes use of the 20,000+ ground stations of ‘The Things Network’. In addition and as a backup, telemetry data will also be transmitted via UHF-Band to the AmbaSat Ground Station.
Your AmbaSat-1 in Low Earth Orbit for ONE month
In a Deployed Payload Scenario, your AmbaSat mission will continue for ONE month before the 3U CubeSat and AmbaSats re-enter the earth’s atmosphere where they will burn up with very little environmental impact. For hosted missions, the duration is dependent on the host.
Orbital Characteristics, Apogee, Inclination, Orbital Velocity, etc
In a deployed scenario, we will enter a polar orbit with an inclination of 80-90 degrees. Apogee will be approximately 280km. Please contact us if you would like full technical details.
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