KITSAT-3 Development and Initial Operations Results

The development of a low earth orbit microsatellite is recognized as a good means of enhancing the technological capability, to gain experience and to train engineers to acquire knowledge and experience in space systems. Most developed countries in space technology do not allow the transfer of critical space technologies such as technology involved in attitude determination and control systems. And the export of critical components and equipment such as high precision attitude sensors is tightly controlled. Therefore it is inevitable to independently acquire self-design and manufacturing capability to implement a satellite mission. The KITSAT-3 program was aimed at verifying the capability to design, develop and operate an indigenous microsatellite system, which includes such critical technologies and associated components and equipment, as well as train engineers. KITSAT-3 was launched on May 26, 1999 using the Indian launcher PSLV-C2. The operations team has successfully performed a full functional checkout during the launch and early operations phase and the satellite is presently in a normal operations mode. This paper introduces the KITSAT-3 program and the results of the initial operations.