Australian CubeSat ACRUX-1 in Low Earth Orbit!
By Josh Keegan
The launch of Rocket Lab’s Make It Rain which happened on the 29 June 2019. It was the seventh launch of their Electron Rocket successfully delivering multiple cubesats to low Earth orbit further proving the reliability of one of the newest launch vehicles in the market. On board was an AUSTRALIAN MADE cubesat proving the capability of students from the Melbourne Space Program!!!
Rocket Lab, the aerospace manufacturer and smallsat launch service provider, achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of their Electron rocket carrying multiple CubeSats to low Earth orbit. The historic event, known as the "Make It Rain" launch, took place on June 29, 2019, marking the seventh mission for the Electron rocket.
The launch not only showcased Rocket Lab's technical prowess but also highlighted Australia's active involvement in the space industry. I interviewed key members of the Melbourne Space Program, Stephen Despotellis, and Joanna Rigby, who shared insights into Australia's role in the "Make It Rain" launch.
Stephen and Joanna provided a detailed account of their contributions to the design and development of the Crux-1 CubeSat, which was built by engineering students at the University of Melbourne. They shared their experiences working on the structural engineering, system integration, and testing of the satellite, emphasizing the challenges and achievements throughout the three-year-long project.
The Crux-1 CubeSat, named after a star in the Southern Cross constellation, served as a proof-of-concept satellite that demonstrated Australia's capabilities in space technology. Stephen and Joanna discussed the significance of the project and the interdisciplinary collaboration that was essential for its success, involving not only engineering students but also law, marketing, and business students.
The Melbourne Space Program has continued to evolve, with plans for a follow-up mission, Crux-2, currently in the planning phase. The team aims to launch a larger 3U satellite with innovative features, including an automatic deorbiting system and scientific experiments to study the Earth's ionosphere.
Looking ahead, the team is hopeful for a mid to late 2022 launch for Crux-2, potentially partnering with Rocket Lab once again for their launch services. However, the ultimate goal is to support the development of Australia's own launch capability to further enhance the country's presence in the space industry.
Orginal YouTube interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAkVyxMHD2M&t=85s
