CubeSat satellite testing takes off at Mount Stromlo »

Researchers from around Australia have begun testing satellites at the ANU Mount Stromlo space testing facilities ahead of a mass satellite launch from the International Space Station later this year. Three CubeSats, satellites built from cubes about 10 centimetres per side, have been developed by researchers at ANU, the University of Sydney, UNSW, University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. They will be launched into space as part of the European Union's QB50 launch of 50 satellites. Before heading into space, the satellites will undergo rigorous tests in the ANU space simulator at the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre (AITC) at Mount Stromlo to make sure they are space ready. "It is very pleasing to see satellites being built and tested in Australia again. With the new AITC facilities this will be the beginning of a sustained activity in Australia that benefits universities and industry," said facility manager Mr Mike Petkovic. The European Union QB50 program has 27 countries building satellites for the mass launch from the International Space Station, including China, US, Brazil and Russia.