Libelium Sensors Launch Into Space In the First Open Source Satellite

Crowd-funded ArduSat Satellite Offers Space-based Experiment Time to Science Students

ZARAGOZA, Spain & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the successful space launch of ArduSat aboard a H-IIB rocket, the first open satellite platform that allows private citizens to design and run their own applications in space is now on its way to the International Space Station (ISS).

Included in the standard payload of the two 10cm x 10cm orbiters launched this week are Radiation Sensor Boards designed by Libelium that will monitor radiation levels generated by space phenomena such as sun storms and background activity. This sensing technology acts as a Geiger counter measuring gamma particles produced anywhere in space.

Once the ArduSat is released into orbit at an altitude of more than 300km, students from a dozen schools across the United States and select schools in Brazil, Guatemala, India, Indonesia and Israel will access and control the satellites for their science experiments, beginning this fall. One of six pre-built experiments uses the Libelium Geiger counter to detect high-energy radiation levels from space.

“Our Radiation Sensors were developed originally to measure radioactivity levels on Earth. We adapted them to meet the satellite’s restrictions in terms of weight, size and power control, in a nice collaboration between Libelium and ArduSat engineering teams,” said David Gascón, co-founder and CTO of Libelium.

“We’re making space exploration affordable and accessible to everyone, with a space platform that lets the users innovate. The spirit of discovery and sharing that inspires open source development fits perfectly with this aim and makes it come to life,” said Peter Platzer, CEO of NanoSatisfi, ArduSat’s parent company.

ArduSat Pre-built Experiments include:

• Test for orbital mechanics and dynamics using the Accelerometer + Gyroscope
• Build a 3D model of Earth's magnetic field using the Magnetometer
• Measure temperature changes in space (i.e. cold snap) using the IR Temperature Sensor
• Detect high-energy radiation levels using the Geiger counter
• Build a spectrograph of Earth's Albedo (reflection coefficient) using the Spectrometer
• Take a picture from space

For more information on the capabilities of Libelium’s Open Source Sensor Platform go to: http://www.libelium.com/waspmote

About Libelium

Libelium designs and manufactures open source hardware for wireless sensor networks so that system integrators, engineering and consultancy companies can deliver reliable Smart Cities solutions with minimum time to market. All Libelium’s products are modular, easy to deploy and include extensive documentation and support through a global community of developers. Libelium’s customers range from startups to large international corporations in North America, Asia and Europe.

Libelium’s open source DIY hardware division, Cooking Hacks, is dedicated to making electronics affordable, easy to learn and fun. Cooking Hacks serves a worldwide community of developers, designers, engineers, hobbyists, inventors and makers who love to create electronics with sensors, robotics, actuators, Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Established in 2006, Libelium is privately held and has headquarters in Zaragoza, Spain. www.libelium.com

About NanoSatisfi

NanoSatisfi democratizes access to space exploration, images and data by providing individuals access to a user-programmable in-orbit satellite for $250/week. With the ArduSat, the company is providing unique educational opportunities using cutting-edge Space technologies, to drive economic competitiveness and inspire a brand new generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professionals. http://nanosatisfi.com.

Contacts

SIPR for Libelium / Cooking Hacks
Judy Curtis, +1 650-274-1509
[email protected]
or
Libelium
David Gascón, CTO, + 34 976 54 74 92
[email protected]
or
NanoSatisfi
Chris Wake, +1 415-597-6118
[email protected]