The HAND Nanosatellite Project

M. Hempsell; R. Moses (2006), JBIS, 59, 167-175

Refcode: 2006.59.167
Keywords: HAND, nano-satellite, space education

Abstract:
The HAND (Human Activated Nanosatellite Demonstration) satellite was developed with the objective of producing a satellite within the time and budgetary constraints associated with Master level undergraduate research projects. HAND was designed as a passively stabilised nanosatellite with a mass of about 6.5 kilograms and over 1.2 m tall when deployed. It was intended to be carried into orbit in a mid-deck locker in the Space Shuttle. It would then be deployed by an astronaut during an EVA simply by pushing it away. It was hoped the spacecraft would prove the engineering and operational aspects of the nanosatellite platform, which could then be the basis of a series of low cost education satellites from universities and even secondary schools.