First satellite unveiled
The Republic’s first satellite to fly closest to the Earth – carrying novel technologies and capturing high-quality pictures – has been built by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and will be ready for take-off in mid-2025.

Most satellites in space are found at least 500km to 800km from Earth but the new 1.3m-tall satellite – named Extremely Low Earth Imaging Technology Explorer (Elite) – will soar just 250km above the globe.

This altitude is a relatively unexplored part of space with a harsher environment for machines since they are surrounded by highly reactive gases and atmospheric friction. Only a handful of such satellites are in very low orbit currently.

As a research satellite, Elite is expected to spend about 1.5 years in space to test some novel, home-grown devices and see if it is possible for more Singapore satellites to fly closer to Earth.

The size of a small fridge and with a weight of 180kg, Elite is NTU’s 14th satellite and its largest and most complex to date.

To top it off, the spacecraft will be launched during a period of heightened solar activity between 2024 and 2025.

While powerful solar storms and flares treat people on Earth to dazzling auroras far beyond the poles – as seen during the major storms in May – such strong activity from the Sun can be a menace to satellites, worsening friction and destroying sensitive microchips.

But instead of feeling apprehensive about the upcoming launch, NTU Satellite Research Centre wants to embrace that challenge.

“It’s a good thing for us because we can prove that we can operate a satellite in high solar activity,” said Lim Wee Seng, executive director of the Satellite Research Centre.

Since Elite will be half the distance from Earth compared with a conventional satellite, it can capture better quality images up to 50cm in resolution. Such satellites could allow first responders to better monitor the spread of volcanic ash after an eruption, for example.

Telecommunication could also improve, as a satellite closer to Earth will reduce network delays.

With fewer spacecraft in a 250km orbit, Elite will be able to manoeuvre through space without the risk of colliding with another vehicle or disused satellite, added Lim. — The Straits Times/ANN
Singapore,SINGAPORE
The Republic’s first satellite to fly closest to the Earth – carrying novel technologies and capturing high-quality pictures – has been built by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and will be ready for take-off in mid-2025.