After Ireland’s first satellite was successfully launched into space, researchers now hope other young scientists will be inspired by this success to come forward in the field.
The experiment was carried out by students at University College Dublin in collaboration with the European Space Agency, in which ‘EIRSAT-1’ (EIRSAT-1) is a two-unit cube-sat that carried out three experiments.
The project is also being hailed as a ‘major milestone’ for Ireland’s fast-growing space sector.
The satellite was launched into space on Friday evening from the Wellenberg Air Base in the US state of California.
This flagship project by students at University College Dublin is the first satellite experiment in the Irish Republic. In total, more than 50 students were involved in the project, including nine PhD candidates.
Not only this, but students from not only physics department but also mathematics, mechanical and computer science degree programs participated in it.
A total of 20,000 hours were spent on the successful launch of the satellite, including troubleshooting and testing.
Small but mighty
According to Conn de Bra, PhD student in charge of testing and operations involved in the experiment, the satellite is no bigger than a milk carton, but its power is no different.
“It’s been a great learning opportunity,” Con de Barra told ahead of the satellite’s launch. Nobody knew how to build and launch a satellite.
He described the launch as a huge and complex project, which gave them the ability to learn a unique skill that will now be able to mentor and transfer skills to other young people starting careers in the field.
De Bra is confident that the success of AirSat One will not only inspire young people, but will help drive Ireland’s space industry forward.
“We are trying to convey to a new generation the belief that there are countless research opportunities for young scientists at University College Dublin,” he says.
AirSat One is part of the European Space Agency’s project to provide university students with comprehensive training, mentoring, and guidance for the complete lifecycle of a professional satellite project, from design and construction to testing. , including operation and flight phases.
The European Space Agency was also involved in the flight of this satellite.
ESA DG Joseph Ashbaker congratulated all the team members on this occasion.
He said in his message, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to the entire AirSat One team on this successful launch and the start of Ireland’s first exciting adventure in orbit.”
‘I would also like to thank University College Dublin’s involvement with the European Space Agency, who have worked together towards a common educational goal which has helped to develop the skills of the young generation,’ added Joseph Bakker. ‘
According to him, ‘only by increasing our capacity can we realize our space ambitions for Ireland and Europe.’
After the satellite’s flight, Dr. Ronan Wall, manager of the Department of Space Research at University College Dublin, also described the successful experiment as a matter of pride for Ireland.
“It is incredibly satisfying and exciting for us that after this experience we finally join other nations in Europe and around the world in space exploration and exploration,” he said.
In this regard, a spokesperson said that ‘a dynamic team from Queen’s University Belfast also played a significant role in the early stages of the AirSat One project, collaborating with University College Dublin.’
According to him, Queen’s University Belfast’s involvement in this research and experiment was mainly to support the mechanical and thermal design of the satellite.
“This collaboration was instrumental in laying the foundation for EarthSat One, which made a significant contribution to Ireland’s first venture into satellite technology,” the spokesman added.
Important Milestones
The Irish government last year recognized the project as an official space mission, calling it a “significant milestone” for the country’s growing space industry.
Neil Richmond, Minister of State for Enterprise, congratulated the management and student team at University College Dublin.
“History has been made here today, and everyone who played a role in this milestone for Ireland and its space sector should be proud,” he said.
Professor Lorraine Hanlon, director of University College Dublin, said of the achievement that Ireland’s satellite flight has produced sensational results in space, with a team of young people representing Ireland’s space industry in commendable research. He also cooperated.
According to him, ‘the next step after that is to get used to operating our new spacecraft and get as much research and training related to it as possible.’
One of these experiments is the ‘GMOD’ gamma-ray burst detector, designed to probe some of the most powerful explosions in the universe.
The radiation that researchers observe can come from a variety of sources, such as stars exploding at the end of their lives or merging black holes.
AirSat One is also conducting tests of the onboard navigation system along with the protection of the satellite in space.
He said that the students are now very excited to receive the data reports from the satellite and continue their research.
“We are extremely excited about this launch, and look forward to connecting with the satellite,” De Bra said.