Session
Technical Session VI: Next on the Pad
Abstract
This paper presents the project named “EAGLET-1”, a 3U+ CubeSat equipped with a 12 MP panchromatic optical payload and AIS bent-pipe capabilities. An X-Band hi-rate link allows the download of the acquired images while the platform communicates to ground with a VHF band uplink for telecommands (TC) and a UHF band downlink for telemetry (TM). The system, that will be launched in 2017, is designed to operate as a stand-alone spacecraft, although it is planned to operate in conjunction with other similar platforms, in a LEO constellation that will be able to provide complementary services to the ones provided now by much larger geostationary systems or low-orbit radar missions (e.g. Copernicus). The second step, which is scheduled to be concluded by the end of 2017, consists in the development and launch of an upgraded version of the satellite. This second version will feature active AIS elaborating system and a propulsion system. As an upgrade of the previous version, more commercial components will be replaced with self-developed specific parts. Finally, starting in 2018, the EAGLET Constellation will be realized: a system of 20 EAGLET-NG (New Generation) satellites for Earth Observation and maritime surveillance.
3U Cubesat "Eaglet-1": Towards a Functional Nano-Sat Leo Constellation
This paper presents the project named “EAGLET-1”, a 3U+ CubeSat equipped with a 12 MP panchromatic optical payload and AIS bent-pipe capabilities. An X-Band hi-rate link allows the download of the acquired images while the platform communicates to ground with a VHF band uplink for telecommands (TC) and a UHF band downlink for telemetry (TM). The system, that will be launched in 2017, is designed to operate as a stand-alone spacecraft, although it is planned to operate in conjunction with other similar platforms, in a LEO constellation that will be able to provide complementary services to the ones provided now by much larger geostationary systems or low-orbit radar missions (e.g. Copernicus). The second step, which is scheduled to be concluded by the end of 2017, consists in the development and launch of an upgraded version of the satellite. This second version will feature active AIS elaborating system and a propulsion system. As an upgrade of the previous version, more commercial components will be replaced with self-developed specific parts. Finally, starting in 2018, the EAGLET Constellation will be realized: a system of 20 EAGLET-NG (New Generation) satellites for Earth Observation and maritime surveillance.
