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NTU Singapore Reveals Its Latest Very Low Earth Orbit Satellite

  • 20 Jun 2024

Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) unveiled the final test model of its latest advanced satellite on 11 June 2024.

Similar to the size of a small fridge, the satellite weighs 180 kilograms and stands at a height of 1.29 meters. Tailored for operation in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), this satellite will circle around 250 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, a significantly lower altitude compared to the usual 550 kilometers or higher orbits for typical small satellites.

The satellite, known as the Extremely Low Earth Imaging Technology Explorer (ELITE), marks NTU’s 14th satellite and is the largest and most intricate one produced so far. Developed with the aim to enhance Singapore’s space technology capabilities, ELITE, supported by Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTin), is expected to be completed by 2025.

The ELITE satellite being tested at the Thailand space agency. Photo: NTU Singapore
The new satellite will explore VLEO conditions and the Earth’s surface to enhance scientific knowledge of space phenomena and the environment. However, working in VLEO, a relatively unexplored territory of space, can present challenges to the satellite. One challenge, for instance, would be the aerodynamic drag caused by Earth’s atmosphere, which could reduce a satellite’s orbit height and result in atmospheric re-entry.
 

Hence, to combat the unique challenges of the space environment, the NTU research team has enhanced ELITE with various capabilities in collaboration with various partners. This includes a special electric propulsion system, the MUlti-Stage Ignition Compact (MUSIC) engine by Aliena, to counter drag. Additionally, new features in development also include a sensor to analyse atomic oxygen effects and a nanotechnology coating on ELITE for protection against the reactive and corrosive oxygen gas.

The Hall Effect Thruster from Aliena that will be deployed in ELITE. Photo: NTU Singapore
The Aliena thruster being fired in a test chamber. Photo: NTU Singapore

Despite the challenges, one benefit operating in VLEO is that ELITE would be able to capture higher-resolution images of the Earth with smaller camera optics. During its orbit close to Earth, ELITE will use a compact Electro-Optical Camera, LEOCAM, for image capturing, capable of providing detailed images with 0.5-meter ground sampling distance at a 250km altitude.

Other unique, made-in-Singapore technological innovations also include a satellite aerodynamics prediction model. Designed to enhance performance in VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit), the new model will undergo validation using actual satellite data, and could potentially be integrated into future VLEO satellite designs. Additionally, the satellite features locally produced tri-fold solar panels that will unfold in space, utilizing spring-loaded hinges equipped with ultra-smooth bearings.

On 11 June 2024, Singapore President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam was introduced to ELITE’s cutting-edge technologies during his trip to NTU’s Satellite Research Centre, hosted by NTU and OSTin.

NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua and OSTin Board Chairman Mr Peter Ho welcomed President Tharman, who engaged with NTU researchers, educators, prominent figures from Singapore’s space sector, and students participating in space initiatives.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (3rd from right) was introduced to Singapore’s space ecosystem during his visit to NTU’s Satellite Research Centre. Photo: NTU Singapore
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam engaged in a conversation with Aliena's co-founders. Photo: NTU Singapore

In the media release, Prof Ho gave praise to the new satellite, “ELITE, NTU’s latest satellite, incorporates the best innovations from Singapore firms. It is a showcase of how advanced satellite technologies can benefit humanity in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner. Moving forward, we aim to help co-develop a “data lake” for the local space community, fostering collaboration and sharing valuable information, which will help the Singapore space industry achieve its maximum potential.”

Mr Jonathan Hung, Executive Director of OSTIn, also mentioned, “Through supporting the ELITE project led by NTU, OSTIn was able to foster collaboration between various space players from Singapore’s space ecosystem. ELITE showcases the advancement our ecosystem has made in furthering Singapore’s space tech capabilities.

The NTU satellite team testing ELITE in an advanced facility in Thailand. Photo: NTU Singapore
Currently, ELITE is in the Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) phase, undergoing rigorous prototype testing at Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). So far, ELITE has successfully cleared environmental tests such as vibration and thermal vacuum conditions. Once the EQM stage is successfully completed, the team will proceed to construct the Flight Model (FM), the actual satellite to be launched into space.
 

The ELITE satellite is developed by NTU Singapore, along with partners like Aliena, LightHaus Photonics, NUS Temasek Laboratories, and ST Engineering Satellite Systems

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