The Basic LEO UNSW Experiment Satellite (BLUEsat) is the first satellite project of the UNSW Space Frontier Society (SFS). Any SFS member can join the SFS Satellite Project Team, which is to undertake this project.

The BLUEsat project includes research, design, construction and launch of a micro satellite to the following specifications:

The maximum dimension of the satellite, pre-launch, shall be less that 500mm.

The mass of the satellite shall be no greater than 25kg.

The satellite shall operate in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with an altitude of between 300km and 1000km.

It is to be capable of two-way radio communications on amateur frequency bands.

It is to be solar powered.

The potential for future projects shall be reflected in the Satellite Project Team’s goals and mission statement. BLUEsat shall carry experiments, the results of which fulfil these goals.

The design of the satellite will have great educational value to future members and will facilitate the continuity of SFS satellite projects. Therefore it is required that copies of the design of all satellite systems be held in the Satellite Project Team’s records and be available for future use by SFS members.

As this is the first project of this nature to be undertaken by the Satellite Project Team it will be simpler to implement existing technologies. However, we are attempting to maximise the knowledge and experience gained from this project. Therefore, at a minimum, the integration of the various on-board systems is to be done by the project team, as opposed to the purchase of pre-integrated systems.

When there is a need to purchase components, materials and services, preference shall be given to Australian based manufacturers and suppliers if the quoted cost is less than 10% higher than the overseas option.

The Satellite Project Team is responsible for raising necessary funds for the BLUEsat project, and should pursue low cost options wherever possible. The National Space Society of Australia requires its chapters to produce quarterly financial statements and this will be required of the project team.