Exploring the AEROS MH-1: Portugal's Venture into Space

Portugal, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has also made significant strides in the realm of space exploration. Thirty years after PoSat-1, Portugal's first satellite, the launch of the AEROS MH-1 satellite represents another pivotal moment in the nation's cosmic journey, marking Portugal's continued progress in the space race.

March 4th, 2024, marked a historic milestone for Portugal as the nation's second satellite, the AEROS MH-1, embarked on its celestial voyage aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the transporter 10 mission. This collaborative endeavor between esteemed Portuguese entities symbolizes Portugal's emergence as a player in the global space arena. This article delves into the details of the AEROS MH-1 satellite, its significance, capabilities, and the broader implications for Portugal's space endeavors.

The successful establishment of communications, as AEROS MH-1 stabilized its orbit and established communications on March 19th, 2024 at 14:54:19 UTC via the Santa Maria Teleport, located in the Azores and operated by Thales Edisoft Portugal , heralds a momentous occasion not only for the consortium but also for Portugal's scientific and technological community at large. The AEROS MH-1 satellite symbolizes Portugal's boundless potential in the field of space exploration, reaffirming its role as an active and innovative participant in the global arena of space research. This achievement serves as a testament to Portugal's dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and technological innovation.

Currently orbiting at an altitude of 510 kilometers from Earth, the AEROS MH-1 satellite has strategically positioned itself to conduct detailed observations of the Atlantic Ocean. This vantage point offers unparalleled opportunities for in-depth analysis of ocean phenomena, including marine ecosystems and climate patterns. By leveraging its privileged position, the satellite is poised to contribute significantly to our understanding of Earth's dynamic oceans and their role in shaping global climate systems.

A Triumph of Collaboration: The genesis of the AEROS MH-1 epitomizes the power of collaboration and innovation. Spearheaded by Thales Edisoft Portugal the project enlisted the expertise of Portuguese companies like, CEiiA // Centre of Engineering and Product Development , Spin.Works and dstelecom , involving research institutes and universities, namely Universidade do Minho , Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto | FCUP ,?Universidade do Algarve , Instituto Superior Técnico , #atlanticcolab ,?Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research ,?Okeanos - Institute of Marine Sciences and?AIR Centre - Atlantic International Research Centre, and an international partnership with?Massachusetts Institute of Technology . This concerted effort epitomizes Portugal's commitment to technological advancement and scientific excellence on the global stage.

A Closer Look at AEROS MH-1: Thales Edisoft Portugal as the project leader, was tasked with mission analysis, development of on-board software, ground stations, post-launch checks, overseeing the initial operational cycle, and integrating the software for the entire mission for the AEROS MH-1 Satellite.

CEiiA // Centre of Engineering and Product Development played a crucial role in the development, design, and structural analysis of the AEROS MH-1 satellite. Their expertise ensured the structural integrity and reliability of the satellite's metallic structure, the assembly and integration process, meticulously mounting all components. Their precision and attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring the seamless functionality and performance of the satellite system.

At the heart of the AEROS MH-1 lies Spin.Works ' HS1, a revolutionary hyperspectral camera poised to redefine Earth observation capabilities. Developed over several years, the HS1 combines cutting-edge electronics, software, opto-mechanical, thermal, and image processing technologies. Its integration into the AEROS MH-1 satellite represents a quantum leap in remote sensing capabilities, promising unparalleled insights into Earth's surface and atmosphere.

Complementing Spin.Works ' scientific instrumentation is dstelecom 's innovative connectivity payload, poised to revolutionize global communication networks. Equipped with state-of-the-art radio systems and Software Defined Radio technology, the payload facilitates data collection from remote sensors using the LoRa and ARGOS protocol. This groundbreaking capability holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity in remote and underserved regions worldwide.

With the integration of Spin.Works ' HS1 and dstelecom 's connectivity payload, alongside CEiiA // Centre of Engineering and Product Development critical contributions and Thales Edisoft Portugal leading the project, the AEROS MH-1 satellite stands poised to revolutionize Earth observation and communication capabilities, reaffirming Portugal's position as a pioneering force in space exploration.

The Promise of AEROS MH-1: The AEROS MH-1 satellite stands as a testament to Portugal's technological prowess and innovation capabilities. From design and development to integration and operation, the project showcases Portugal's capacity to lead cutting-edge initiatives in space exploration and satellite technology. Moreover, it heralds the development of a new satellite, incorporation of new payloads, establishment of a new control center and a new ground station, all reflecting Portugal's commitment to advancing in the space domain.

The establishment of the NEW SPACE PORTUGAL initiative further underscores this commitment, aiming to elevate Portugal to a leading position in the global space sector by advancing the development, production, and launch of Earth Observation satellites. The AEROS MH-1 satellite features a data open policy, weighs 4.5 kilograms, has dimensions of 3U (30cmx10cm), orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 510 kilometers with a velocity of 7 kilometers per second resulting in one orbit every 90 minutes, and is anticipated to have a lifespan of 3 years.

Honoring Manuel Heitor's Vision and Portuguese Space Endeavours : The name "MH-1" bestowed upon the satellite pays homage to Manuel Heitor, Portugal's former Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, and responsible for the creation of the Agência Espacial Portuguesa in 2019. Throughout his tenure, Heitor played a pivotal role in advancing the AEROS MH-1 flagship project, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the advancement of space technology in Portugal. The satellite stands as a tribute to his vision and leadership, inspiring future generations to continue the pursuit of scientific excellence and technological innovation.

First images from the AEROS MH-1 satellite: With the completion of the first part of the LEOP phase (Launch and Early Orbit Phase), which includes the assessment of the satellite's operating status and integrity and the initial tests of the on-board sensors, AEROS MH-1 began collecting the first images using the low-resolution RGB camera.

Conclusion:The launch of the AEROS MH-1 satellite marks a watershed moment in Portugal’s journey into space, epitomizing the nation’s commitment to scientific advancement, technological innovation, and global collaboration. As the AEROS MH-1 soars across the heavens, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a nation united in its quest for cosmic discovery and exploration.

Investment: The project AEROS Constellation (045911) is co-financed by the ERDF - European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Program for Competitiveness and Internationalisation - COMPETE 2020, the North Portugal Regional Operational Program – NORTE 2020 and by the Funda??o para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) under MIT Portugal Program , with a total cost of 2.786.748,78 EUR, being supported by the EU FEDER 1.884.426,49 EUR.