Session
Technical Session VIII: New Mission Concepts II
Abstract
Stanford University's Satellite Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL) is achieving positive results in its yearly educational program known as the Satellite Quick Research Testbed (SQUIRT). This project's goal is to produce student engineered microspacecraft capable of servicing state-of-the-art research payloads. SQUIRT spacecraft are about 25 pounds, 18 inches in diameter, nine inches tall, and have a cash budget for parts of approximately $50,000. After 18 months of work, the first SQUIRT design team is in the final assembly and test stage of the Stanford Audio Phonic Photographic Infrared Experiment (SAPPHIRE) satellite. This microspacecraft will be used to space characterize experimental infrared sensors as well as to perform digital photography and broadcast voice synthesized messages. A second SQUIRT team has initiated the detailed design of the Orbiting Picosatellite Automated Launcher (OPAL) satellite. This microspacecraft will study the feasibility of repeatedly deploying hockey puck sized science craft for research purposes. In addition, several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors are being flown in order to assess their performance in the space environment. This paper discusses developmental efforts within the SQUIRT program, the design progress of the current SQUIRT vehicles, and future payload concepts and program initiatives.
Design Progress in the Satellite Quick Research Testbed (SQUIRT) Program
Stanford University's Satellite Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL) is achieving positive results in its yearly educational program known as the Satellite Quick Research Testbed (SQUIRT). This project's goal is to produce student engineered microspacecraft capable of servicing state-of-the-art research payloads. SQUIRT spacecraft are about 25 pounds, 18 inches in diameter, nine inches tall, and have a cash budget for parts of approximately $50,000. After 18 months of work, the first SQUIRT design team is in the final assembly and test stage of the Stanford Audio Phonic Photographic Infrared Experiment (SAPPHIRE) satellite. This microspacecraft will be used to space characterize experimental infrared sensors as well as to perform digital photography and broadcast voice synthesized messages. A second SQUIRT team has initiated the detailed design of the Orbiting Picosatellite Automated Launcher (OPAL) satellite. This microspacecraft will study the feasibility of repeatedly deploying hockey puck sized science craft for research purposes. In addition, several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors are being flown in order to assess their performance in the space environment. This paper discusses developmental efforts within the SQUIRT program, the design progress of the current SQUIRT vehicles, and future payload concepts and program initiatives.
