Aalto University to build Finland’s Centenary Satellite

An illustration of Finland100.

This Aalto University proposed nanosatellite has been chosen as part of the programme of centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017.

The satellite, currently called by it’s project name Finland100, will be loaded with cameras which will beam the views and feel of being in space down to Earth. A radio receiver will “listen” to the space weather and add the auroras to the 3D experience that will be created in the several locations around Finland.

– The satellite will offer everyone a unique space experience, promises leader of the project, Professor Esa Kallio from Aalto University.

The satellite will be managed and built by students.

The satellite will be managed and built by students. The concept is based on the experiences gathered with the earlier satellite design and building projects at the Aalto University.

– With these satellites we have already a good foundation and tight co-operation with other universities and partners, and this will continue in the planning and construction of Finland100, continues Kallio.

The Finland100 satellite project has several interesting new technologies packed in small space, but the main feature of the satellite will be curiosity. The project needs the input from the school children and students around the country, and it will radiate fun of science & technology to all Finns.

 – Especially we try to encourage young people to study technology and science, because the next 100 years of Finland will depend on them.  We invite everyone interested to join in the creation and building of this amazing space journey!

A couple of kilos, plenty of expertise

Finland100 will be launched into space on a polar orbit passing above the polar regions.

– From its vantage observation point, the satellite will offer breath-taking views to the northern regions and will also be visible from Finland,Kallio says.

The satellite is a small nanosatellite weighing only a few kilos. The technical implementation is based on the popular and proven CubeSat standard.

Finland100 will be made possible by the Finnish excellent scientific and technical expertise and its highly reputed education, but the project is also about a common journey to the history of Finland and its technology. Finland has risen within a century from basic agriculture to one of the most modern countries in the world and it is namely science, technology and know-how that have brought well-being to our country.

But the main focus is strongly zoomed to the future:

– What will the Finnish bicentenary and the possible Finland200 satellite be like? What new, yet unknown, possibilities will space, science and technology offer us by then?

For more information and cooperation enquiries contact:
Professor Esa Kallio
Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
esa.kallio@aalto.fi
tel. +358 50 4205 857

About the Finland’s centenary celebration year:

The independent Finland will have its centenary in 2017. It is the Finnish great year that will be built together. The celebration year will foster a multitude of public actions, experiences and programmes, which will take place everywhere in Finland, throughout the year 2017.

Both the past century of independence as well as the present and the future of Finland will be discussed and debated. Read more from the website suomi100finland.fi