The SAC-B satellite

This is a photograph of the SAC-B satellite in the Class 10,000 cleanroom of INPE-LIT in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, where the SAC-B satellite was tested in May - July 1995 prior to launch. The CUBIC instrument is at the top, and is covered with gold-colored Multi-Layer Insulation to isolate it from the extreme temperatures of the space environment. The tall conical object in front of CUBIC is one of the antennae used to transmit data to the ground station. The solar panels and batteries have been removed for storage and shipment and are not visible in this photo.

CUBIC Home Page Ask Us