ABA First Runner (AFR-1) Mission: A Collaborative Achievement by Azista BST Aerospace and Berlin Space Technologies

The ABA First Runner (AFR-1) mission represents a milestone in satellite development and international collaboration, bringing together the expertise of Azista BST Aerospace and Berlin Space Technologies GmbH (BST). Launched on June 13, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during the Transporter-8 rideshare mission, AFR-1 serves as a technology demonstrator for Earth observation. Featuring a modular satellite platform and cutting-edge imaging capabilities, this mission also benefits from Anywaves’ high-performance S-Band antennas for reliable communication. AFR-1 highlights the potential of small satellite technology for a variety of practical applications, including agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring

Let’s deep dive in this mission!

The AFR-1 Technology Demonstration Mission

The AFR-1 mission’s primary goal is to demonstrate the capabilities of modular satellite platforms for Earth observation. The satellite was launched from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite was deployed into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers. This orbit ensures consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation, making it ideal for capturing high-quality images.

The mission underscores the growing role of private aerospace companies in deploying cost-effective, high-performance satellites for remote sensing applications.

This launch marked a significant step forward for Azista BST Aerospace, an Indian-German joint venture. The mission highlights their capability to design, manufacture, and launch sophisticated small satellites, aimed at strengthening the imaging and remote sensing industry. AFR-1 is designed to provide both panchromatic and multispectral imaging data for various applications such as agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

Exploring the AFR-1: Panchromatic and Multispectral Imaging for Earth Observation.

The ABA First Runner (AFR-1) is an 80-kilogram satellite based on a modular bus platform. This design allows flexibility and scalability for future missions. The modular design facilitates the integration of different payloads and subsystems, enabling future adaptations for various mission requirements.

Imaging Payload

The satellite hosts a wide-swath optical remote sensing payload with the following key capabilities:

• Panchromatic Imaging: Capturing high-resolution black-and-white images for detailed analysis.
  • Resolution: 1.5 meters Ground Sampling Distance (GSD)
  • Swath Width: 20 kilometers
• Multispectral Imaging: Offering color and spectral data that support a wide range of applications, including vegetation analysis, land-use mapping, and environmental monitoring.
  • Resolution: 5 meters GSD
  • Spectral Bands: Includes Red, Green, Blue (RGB), and Near-Infrared (NIR) bands

These imaging capabilities allow AFR-1 to capture high-resolution imagery suitable for applications such as:

• Precision Agriculture
• Land Use and Urban Planning
• Environmental Monitoring
• Disaster Response

Onboard Systems

• Attitude Control:
  The satellite features a reaction wheel-based Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), ensuring precise orientation for image capture.
• Power Supply:
  Equipped with high-efficiency solar panels and a 20W power system, AFR-1 maintains sustained operations in low Earth orbit.
• Data Storage and Downlink:
  The onboard storage system supports the collection of large volumes of image data, which are downlinked via robust communication systems.

The compact design and robust architecture of AFR-1 enable efficient deployment and operation in low Earth orbit (LEO). This mission also serves as a foundation for future remote sensing satellites planned by Azista BST Aerospace and Berlin Space Technologies.

Anywaves Contribution

Anywaves played a crucial role in the success of the AFR-1 mission by providing two high-performance S-Band antennas. These antennas are responsible for the satellite’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) operations, which are critical for mission success.

Key Functions of Anywaves’ S-Band Antennas:

1. Telemetry: Enabling the transmission of vital satellite health and status data back to ground stations.
2. Tracking: Allowing operators to precisely determine the satellite’s position and trajectory in orbit.
3. Control: Facilitating command signals to adjust the satellite’s operations and correct its orientation as needed.

Anywaves’ antennas are known for their robustness, reliability, and efficiency, making them ideal for demanding space missions. The use of these antennas ensures seamless communication throughout the satellite’s operational life, reinforcing the importance of dependable TT&C systems in modern space missions.

The SpaceX Transporter mission launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base. (Photo: SpaceX)

From Deployment to Data Collection: The Outcomes of the AFR-1 Mission

As a technology demonstrator, AFR-1 successfully achieved the following outcomes:

1. Successful Deployment: The satellite was deployed into the desired orbit and established stable communication with ground control.
2. Imaging Operations: The payload successfully captured and downlinked over 500 high-resolution images within the first month of operations. The images confirmed the expected resolution of 1.5 meters (panchromatic) and 5 meters (multispectral), supporting applications in agriculture and urban planning.
3. Effective Communication: Anywaves’ S-Band antennas enabled 99.9% uptime in telemetry and control operations, ensuring continuous data flow and operational control.
4. Validation of Modular Platform: The modular bus design demonstrated flexibility and scalability, laying the groundwork for future satellite missions with adaptable payload configurations.

The mission’s data is contributing to various applications, including environmental monitoring, urban development, and agricultural planning, enhancing the value of AFR-1 as a remote sensing platform.

1st contact with AFR. Credits; Azista BST Aerospace

Conclusion

The ABA First Runner (AFR-1) mission exemplifies successful collaboration between Azista BST Aerospace, Berlin Space Technologies GmbH, and Anywaves. Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 during the Transporter-8 mission, AFR-1 has demonstrated the effectiveness of modular satellite platforms and advanced remote sensing capabilities. Anywaves’ S-Band antennas ensured reliable communication, underscoring their critical role in the mission’s success.

This mission not only showcases technological advancements but also paves the way for future satellite missions, contributing to global remote sensing and Earth observation efforts. AFR-1 is a stepping stone toward broader deployment of small satellites capable of delivering valuable data for diverse applications, reinforcing the growing importance of international partnerships in the space industry.