ETSI researchers participate in the development of the Alpha Mission satellite

Two research groups from the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the University of Seville (ETSI) are participating in the Alpha Mission project, presented yesterday at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which aims to put the first Andalusian satellite for scientific use into orbit.    

Specifically, the Electronic Engineering Group, represented at the mission presentation by researchers Fernando Muñoz and José María Hinojo, will work on the payload to study the radiation accumulated by the electronics, optimizing protection systems and improving failure predictions, among other things. Meanwhile, the Aerospace Engineering Group, represented by Rafael Vázquez and Francisco Gavilán, will focus on mission design and analysis, orbit determination, and the satellite's control and orientation determination system. A distinctive feature of the mission is the active participation of young talent, many of whom are graduates of the ETSI (School of Engineering), who contribute their knowledge and enthusiasm to the project. 

The Mission Alpha project (https://misionalpha.com/) has emerged as a pioneering initiative in the Andalusian "Newspace" landscape, combining the ingenuity of private and public entities in the region to bring to life the first genuinely Andalusian satellite, named Alpha^3. This Mission aims to design, launch, and operate a cubesat, a 100% Andalusian artificial satellite that will operate in low Earth orbit. The Mission has two additional key objectives: to provide scientific data free of charge to institutions, NGOs, and universities, and at the same time, to highlight and promote the relevance of a new space economy, fostering employment opportunities and inspiring future generations. 

José Laffite, Project Coordinator, along with Álvaro Pimentel, Delegate for Cartuja, Innovation Parks, Employment, Economy, Commerce and Consumer Affairs of the Seville City Council, and Antonio Posadas, Secretary General for Research and Innovation of the Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation, presented the project. As a first milestone, they showcased a 3D replica of the Alpha^3 satellite, slated for launch into space in 2025. The project is backed by leading companies such as Alter Technologies, CactusSoft, Indaero Grupo Emergy, and Integrasys, and has the support of the Universities of Seville and Cádiz, as well as the Ontech Innovation and Smart City Cluster.