Session
Technical Session II: Small Satellites - Subsystems
Abstract
The radio amateur satellite community pioneered in the design, fabrication and launch of small, low-cost satellites. While these satellites became increasingly more sophisticated, they continued for years as piggyback passengers with no capability for orbital adjustment once released. Beginning with the Phase III spacecraft series an onboard propulsion capability was included permitting significant adjustments to the initial orbit. This paper describes the design of the propulsion modules of three Phase III spacecraft initially using a solid rocket motor and moving to a bi-propellant liquid propulsion system in following spacecraft. While the specific hardware and system design utilized may not be specifically applicable, the general approaches taken could point the way to satisfying the propulsion requirements of other small, low-cost satellites.
"Bare Bones" Propulsion for Small, Low Cost Satellites
The radio amateur satellite community pioneered in the design, fabrication and launch of small, low-cost satellites. While these satellites became increasingly more sophisticated, they continued for years as piggyback passengers with no capability for orbital adjustment once released. Beginning with the Phase III spacecraft series an onboard propulsion capability was included permitting significant adjustments to the initial orbit. This paper describes the design of the propulsion modules of three Phase III spacecraft initially using a solid rocket motor and moving to a bi-propellant liquid propulsion system in following spacecraft. While the specific hardware and system design utilized may not be specifically applicable, the general approaches taken could point the way to satisfying the propulsion requirements of other small, low-cost satellites.
