The IUMA will launch a satellite to monitor the oceans on October 4
He 'Bentayga' satellite, designed by researchers from IUMA–ULPGC, is equipped with a multispectral camera advanced technology to monitor the health of the oceans.
The satellite is a project of the University Institute of Applied Microelectronics (IUMA) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), which aims to develop a nanosatellite for the observation of the marine environment. The satellite, called Bentayga I, is equipped with a multispectral camera that can capture images in the visible and near-infrared range, and process them on board to detect contaminants in the ocean. The project has the collaboration of the company B2Space and the financing of the Gran Canaria Economic Promotion Society (SPEGC) of the Island Council.
The launch of the satellite is scheduled for October 4, 2023 from the León military airfield, using a stratospheric balloon that will raise it to about 30 km high. This will be a first phase to validate the technology developed in the IUMA laboratories, before seeking funding to put the satellite into an orbit at more than 300 km altitude.
The ULPGC satellite is the first satellite created entirely in the Canary Islands, and represents a milestone for the aerospace sector and scientific research on the islands. The IUMA team is made up of 10 researchers, coordinated by the Dr. José Francisco López Feliciano, professor of Electronic Technology at the ULPGC and researcher at the IUMA. The project is part of the IUMA initiatives to promote the development of the aeronautical and aerospace sector in the Canary Islands, and contribute to economic diversification and the generation of qualified employment.
More information:
- The first satellite created in the Canary Islands will be launched on October 4 from León – La Provincia
- The IUMA develops a satellite to measure parameters in the ocean | ULPGC – University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- The ULPGC develops its first satellite to monitor the health of the oceans – La Provincia