UK CubeSat due for November launch
The AMSAT-UK FUNcube-1 CubeSat carrying a 435/145MHz SSB/CW transponder remains on schedule for a November launch. Every CubeSat needs to have the capability to charge its onboard batteries when in its launch pod. This means having a suitable battery charger and it needs something quite special to be certain that there is no risk of overcharging or other disaster. Wouter, PA3WEG has designed and constructed such a charger for FUNcube-1. It can be set to charge the lithium-ion battery to the best voltage for long term storage, approx 7.6 volts, and can also be used to enable the final pre-launch testing of the spacecraft and its flight software before launch.
Category: GB2RS Headlines
