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Researchers at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) Achieve Historic Milestone with Development of Nanosatellite Aldebaran-I, Set to Launch This Month. Discover Its Importance and Impact on Space Science!
The Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) is about to achieve an unprecedented milestone in its history with the launch of its first nanosatellite, named Aldebaran-I. Developed by students and professors from Aerospace Engineering with funding from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the Sousândrade Foundation (FSADU), the device is expected to be launched this March from the Space Center of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Learn About the Mission Objective of Nanosatellite Aldebaran-I
The device was named as a reference to the brightest star in the Taurus constellation, called Aldebaran, and which is present in bumba meu boi songs and in the popular cultural imagination of Maranhão.
The project of the nanosatellite from the Federal University of Maranhão aims to enhance the safety of vessels in the municipality of Raposa and monitor burning hotspots in the Alcântara region.
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The construction of Aldebaran-I is the result of years of research and dedication from students and professors of the Aerospace Engineering course and was developed within the Laboratory of Space Embedded Electronics and Systems (Labesee). The choice of the municipality of Raposa as the study site occurred due to the occurrence of several accidents in the area, including a tragic incident involving a former student of the project.
The professor explained that, after the accident, the fishermen managed to survive by using pieces of the boat as makeshift rafts and were rescued after informing the cooperative about their itinerary. However, there are also reports of missing fishermen, and the lack of a location system complicated the rescue.
Understand How the UFMA Nanosatellite Works
Professor Luís Cláudio, one of the project coordinators, reported the experience of the initial phases conducted in the municipality of Raposa, focusing on the safety of local fishermen.
The researchers at the Federal University of Maranhão interviewed fishermen to understand their work cycle, vessel conditions, and safety at sea. During the research, the idea emerged to develop a low-cost, easy-to-install device that could be attached to small 5-meter boats.
The device, in case of danger such as capsizing or sinking, would send a signal to the nanosatellite, allowing the boat’s location to be tracked and communicated to the rescue system. The main mission of Aldebaran-I from UFMA is to serve as a proof of concept for locating and rescuing small boats in emergency situations at sea, especially along the coast of Maranhão.
Additionally, the nanosatellite will assist in wildfire prevention through environmental data collection. These functionalities envisioned by the Federal University of Maranhão are essential for the region, contributing to maritime safety and environmental preservation.
Social Impacts of the UFMA Nanosatellite
According to Professor Carlos Brito, one of the project coordinators, the launch of Aldebaran-I represents not only a technological advancement but also a significant social impact. According to Brito, the nanosatellite from the Federal University of Maranhão is a social mission, a means for saving people on boats without adequate infrastructure. If they get lost, there is no solution. Thus, the project becomes essential.
In January, the Aldebaran-I nanosatellite underwent its final environmental test at the Integration and Testing Laboratory (LIT) of INPE, in São José dos Campos (SP). In this phase, the UFMA equipment was subjected to vibration tests, crucial to ensure that the equipment can withstand extreme conditions during launch.
With the successful completion of the tests, Aldebaran-I is already ready for launch. The success of the mission will open doors for future space initiatives in the country and reinforce the country’s position in the scenario.
