The new 350 kg minisatellite will demonstrate advanced high resolution multispectral and panchromatic Earth observation payloads, low Earth orbit microwave digital communications, as well as a number of innovative propulsion and attitude control technologies.

Reporting from the launch site, Prof Martin Sweeting, CEO & Managing Director of SSTL, said: "This new minisatellite offers a very cost-effective yet powerful space capability. We can now offer future customers even more capable satellite systems for Earth observation, communications and science missions."

The fact that the satellite is equipped with propulsion and attitude control technologies is another first for SSTL. In flight the satellite will be controlled in the roll by the use of thrusters powered by compressed nitrogen gas. In addition, UoSAT-12's orbit can be changed by the thrust from a nitrous oxide Resistojet which works by passing nitrous oxide through a 400W heat exchanger and expelling it through a nozzle to generate thrust.

Commissioning will commence at 12.00 BST today from company's Mission Control Centre at Guildford. Once complete, UoSAT-12 will be put through its paces to demonstrate this significant step forward in small satellite technology.

Most of the company's 104 staff were present this morning listening to video and audio links with SSTL engineers around the world. Staff cheered as confirmation of the launch came through from Surrey engineers in Baikonur 5-mintues after launch, followed by news of UoSAT-12's separation from the launch vehicle. The company have invested �5.5 million of their research and development budget in this project in a commitment to providing low cost access to space for international customers.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a wholly-owned University of Surrey company. Formed in 1985, SSTL has designed and built 14 microsatellites for both civil and military applications for international commercial customers. A further three microsatellites are due for launch before the end of this year for Malaysia, the US Air Force and France. Just last month SSTL signed a deal worth $17 million to build the platforms for a constellation of six microsatellites for the United States.

MicroSat Blitz - SpaceDaily Special Report

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Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005
The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India.