Napa-1 (Thai: นภา-1), also known as RTAF-SAT-1, is a Thai Earth observation satellite. It is the first satellite of the Royal Thai Air Force.[1][2] The satellite was built by Dutch firm Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISpace).[3] After being delayed several times partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the satellite was launched on 3 September 2020, on Arianespace Vega rocket's flight VV16.[2][4]

Spacecraft

The nano satellite is based on Innovative Solutions In Space's ISISpace 6U CubeSat and is designed to function for three years.[3][1][5] It carries a Gecko Imager manufactured by South African firm SCS Space, and a prototype TriScape100 Imager from Simera Sense.[1][6] Napa-1 will use the two instruments for remote sensing, including disaster relief such as combating floods and wildfire detection.[5][2] According to the Bangkok Post, the satellite cost less than 100 million baht.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c Caramelli, F; Battie, F; Scaccia, A (1 August 2019). "The first Vega ride-share mission flight" (PDF). Utah State University. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Nanuam, Wassana (16 June 2020). "Napa-1 satellite finally readies for Friday launch". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  3. ^ a b "ISIS selected by the Royal Thai Air Force to realize a complete 6U mission for Earth Observation". 7 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  4. ^ Henry, Caleb (3 September 2020). "Arianespace launches Vega on return-to-flight mission with 53 smallsats". SpaceNews. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  5. ^ a b "ทำความรู้จัก "นภา-1" ดาวเทียมดวงแรกของทัพอากาศไทย". PPTVHD36 (in Thai). 18 June 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  6. ^ "Packing completed: NAPA-1 satellite is ready for launch". 12 February 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.

External links

Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) aircraft
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