FedSat (Federation Satellite)

FedSat (Federation Satellite) was an Australian scientific microsatellite mission, a 58 cm cube weighing approximately 50 kg. The launch of FedSat, a 58kg microsatellite, on 14 December 2002 provided a landmark moment in Australia's satellite and space communication research program. Developed by the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Satellite Systems (CRCSS), the project harnessed and further developed the expertise and resources from Australian universities, commercial organisations and government bodies. It established Australia as an international participant in space science and small satellite research and development.

In 1996, a program building on national space research experience and industry capabilities to develop a small demonstration satellite, Federation Satellite 1 (FedSat), was announced. FedSat was envisaged as a space applications project which would lead to commercial small satellite development capabilities within Australia.

The development ofFedSat was supported through the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems (CRCSS). The CSIRO Office of Space Science and Applications undertook development of the program and establishment of the CRCSS in Canberra, and CRCSS partners included representation from both the space industry and the research sector.

FedSat was launched into orbit in December 2002 (one year behind its originally intended launch date of 2001) and continued to operate successfully until mid-2007. The CRCSS did not, however, generate ongoing commercial activities relating to space technologies, particularly in the field oflow-cost satellite missions, as originally envisaged.

The primary development project of the CRCSS was the design, development and launch of a small satellite to carry out scientific experiments, communications trials and engineering tests. The satellite developed was named FedSat in honour of the centenary of Australia's Federation.

The FedSat mission ran for over four years and allowed the testing and refinement of new technologies in satellite computing, positioning technologies and communications. It also collected invaluable scientific data on space weather and radiowave propagation. The project left an enduring legacy of expertise and infrastructure that continues in the current Australian Space Research Program.