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Arianespace to Launch 50 Nanosatellites in Historic Mission |
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Vancouver, Oct. 7/Satnews Daily/ -- To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the first man-made satellite, Arianespace will launch a cluster of 50 nanosatellites for the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in 2007.
Each nanosat will weigh about one kilogram, and will be dedicated to a scientific experiment under the responsibility of researchers at universities or other organizations. Arianespace said all 50 of the nanosats will be launched at the same time, on one rocket, from the French company’s launch facility in French Guyana. The nanosats will last in orbit for about 2 years. Each nanosatellite to be orbited will represent a different country.
The mission was first proposed by the Russian Space Agency at this year’s IAF Congress in Canada to commemorate the first satellite launch in 1957. The Russian space industry and IAF, in partnership with the leading space agencies from around the world, are supporting the mission.
Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace CEO said the company is very proud to be participating in the commemoration. “We have already orbited some 40 auxiliary payloads of the same type we will launch in 2007. Just like 50 years ago, when the first man-made Earth satellite was launched, these nanosatellites will signal a new era for scientists worldwide," he said.
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