Australia’s first domestically built space telescope has marked a
historic milestone, completing the opening stage of its mission and
sending home its first selfies after more than 600 days in orbit. From
California Launch to Australian Space Milestone The SpIRIT nanosatellite
blasted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December 2023. Since then, it has
[…]
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After 600 Days in Orbit [PHOTO] appeared first on Orbital Today.
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#^Australia’s First Space Telescope Sends Selfies Back to Earth After 600 Days in Orbit [PHOTO]Australia’s first domestically built space telescope has marked a historic milestone, completing the opening stage of its mission and
sending home its first selfies after more than 600 days in orbit.
From California Launch to Australian Space Milestone
The first image taken by the SpIRIT selfie camera. Credit: University of Melbourne
The SpIRIT nanosatellite blasted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December 2023. Since then, it has circled Earth over 9000 times, covering a distance equal to a round trip between Earth and Mars.
Built in Melbourne and carrying components never before tested in space, SpIRIT is now ready to move into the next stage of its mission.
First Selfies From Space
The nanosatellite’s opening phase focused on proving its flight systems and testing Australian-made space technology. That effort concluded with the first images from SpIRIT’s onboard camera.
One picture, captured while flying over New Zealand, revealed the underside of the spacecraft decorated with the logos of its mission partners. Another showed the satellite’s unique radiator “wings” glinting over the Indian Ocean, with copper structures helping to manage heat in orbit.
SpIRIT, which measures almost a metre across, is designed to operate for more than 1000 days in space.
Preparing to Hunt Cosmic Explosions
With its commissioning phase complete, the telescope will now begin using its Italian-built instrument to scan the universe for gamma ray bursts, powerful cosmic flashes created when
stars collapse or collide.
Gamma ray bursts are rare and unpredictable, but SpIRIT will serve as an early warning system for astronomers, alerting them to events as they occur.
Collaboration Driving Success
Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo praised the mission as a landmark achievement for the nation’s growing space industry.
“The SpIRIT mission has demonstrated the capability that exists within the Australian space sector – from building the satellite and testing new technologies in orbit and on ground, to hosting international science payloads and successfully completing its initial phase,” he said.
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Australia’s First Space Telescope Sends Selfies Back to Earth After 600 Days in Orbit [PHOTO] appeared first on
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