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First Peruvian nanosatellite to be launched into space
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Lima, Mar. 30 (ANDINA).- Peru’s National University of Engineering (Spanish: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, UNI) will launch in November, 2010, the first Peruvian nanosatellite into space, which is 10 centimeters (3,94 inches) per side, and will be used to take pictures of earth’s surface for climate, forestry and archaeological research.
The small square-shaped satellite was named "Chasqui I” and manufactured using applied spatial technology capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in space, ranging from -40 to 100 degrees Celsius.
Since there is not a launch pad in Peru, the 2.2-pound nanosatellite will be punt into orbit from a foreign country. After long talks with Kursk State Technical University in Russia, the launch is expected to be made from its facilities.
The Peruvian nanosatellite is expected to operate for at least two months in orbit, and once in space, it will be able to completely orbit the earth in only one hour, reported the director of the Center for Communication and Information Technologies of UNI, Doris Rojas.
(END) MVF/RRC/RMB
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