Vienna: Austria will launch its first military satellite, BeaconSat, next February to conduct research in space technology and strengthen the country's technological capabilities and domestic industries. The Austrian satellite will be carried by a Falcon 9 rocket. It took a year and a half to develop at a cost of around £1 million and is designed to detect jamming affecting global navigation satellite systems, both in orbit and on the ground.
According to Emirates News Agency, the satellite will monitor the global navigation satellite system frequency spectrum, along with signal quality and strength parameters, to identify unexpected changes in signals. Austrian start-up Gate Space, which specializes in developing propulsion systems for rockets and satellites, has introduced a new propulsion system using a very small engine with just two newtons of thrust. Powered by ethane and nitrous oxide, the system will enable the satellite to be placed precisely into orbit, adjust its position, and carry out rapid evasive maneuvers when necessary.