The satellite had six payloads, as given below: • Communications Payload: A collection of three components (
UHF transponder,
Ka-band transponder and base-band processor) used to perform several experiments in satellite communications. • High Performance Computing Experiment: A reconfigurable computer based on a
Xilinx XQR4062
FPGA, the first of its kind to be used in space. • GPS Payload: A
Global Positioning System receiver built by
NASA. Conceived especially for ionospheric studies between GPS constellation levels and FedSat orbit. • NewMag Payload: A
magnetometer built by the
University of Newcastle, Australia, used to take measurements of the
Earth's magnetic field near its poles. • Star Camera: An experimental star camera built by the
University of Stellenbosch, used to determine the position of the satellite in space by analysing images of surrounding stars. • Compact Disk: A nickel "master" disk "cultural time capsule" with tracks including Paul Kelly's performance of the song he co-wrote with Kev Carmody, "From Little Things, Big Things Grow", and recorded statements from several hundred Australian school children about how they imagined a future Australia and its place in the Asia-Pacific. The satellite platform, comprising the structural/thermal components, power system, attitude control system, onboard computer and groundlink, was originally developed in the United Kingdom by Space Innovations Limited. It was later completed along with integration of payloads in
Canberra, Australia. ==Declared Dead==