On January 13, 2022, at 18:51:58 Kyiv time, as a result of a cluster launch, the Ukrainian Earth remote sensing satellite Sich-2-1 was launched by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle into the calculated orbit.
After the separation of the spacecraft, communication was established with it and telemetry information was received, confirming the onboard equipment's working capacity.
A number of external factors related to the peculiarities of the cluster launch did not allow establishing a stable connection with the spacecraft during the critical first sessions and ensuring the timely construction of its nominal orientation. The orientation remained such that only solar radiation reflected from the Earth's surface or short-term direct radiation at a sufficiently small angle hits the working surfaces of the solar battery. The combination of these factors led to a negative impact on the energy balance of the device.
The engineering solutions and operation algorithms laid down at the stage of development and creation of the spacecraft allowed Sich-2-1 to independently reboot and resume its working capacity in an energy-saving mode.
According to the results of the following communication sessions, no failures of on-board equipment were also detected.
Modeling the dynamics of the spacecraft in orbit, taking into account the impact of external factors (the interaction of the spacecraft with the Earth's magnetic field, gravitational and aerodynamic influences) indicates that within 1-2 months the spatial position will become favorable for the accumulation of electricity, which will give the ability to bring the orientation to the standard.
Now the specialists of the National Center for Control and Testing of Space Vehicles, together with the specialists of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, provide communication with the spacecraft and analyze telemetry information, preparing for the continuation of flight tests.
