Session
Technical Session XI: Advanced Subsystems and Components II
Abstract
This paper presents a low-cost microspacecraft platform concept for missions which require high D-v capabilities of up to about 1,500 m/s, using auxiliary launch opportunities, e.g., from the Ariane 5 ASAP. The proposed concept is extremely flexible and can be adapted to specific mission requirements, thus permitting low-cost missions to Earth orbit, as well as to the Moon, Mars, and selected asteroids. A particular focus of this paper is on the modularity of the proposed concept, including the bipropellant propulsion system needed to provide the required D-v, the lightweight structural concept, and the 3-axis attitude determination and control system (ADCS), as well as the available P/L masses and the most important spacecraft characteristics and constraints. The proposed microspacecraft platform is derived from the LunarSat concept, which has been developed by a team led by the Technische Universität München, Germany, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., UK. Consequently, the LunarSat spacecraft and mission are presented as an example of the proposed concept.
Microspacecraft Platform with Bipropellant Propulsion System and 3-Axis Stabilization for Missions in Earth Orbit and Beyond LEO
This paper presents a low-cost microspacecraft platform concept for missions which require high D-v capabilities of up to about 1,500 m/s, using auxiliary launch opportunities, e.g., from the Ariane 5 ASAP. The proposed concept is extremely flexible and can be adapted to specific mission requirements, thus permitting low-cost missions to Earth orbit, as well as to the Moon, Mars, and selected asteroids. A particular focus of this paper is on the modularity of the proposed concept, including the bipropellant propulsion system needed to provide the required D-v, the lightweight structural concept, and the 3-axis attitude determination and control system (ADCS), as well as the available P/L masses and the most important spacecraft characteristics and constraints. The proposed microspacecraft platform is derived from the LunarSat concept, which has been developed by a team led by the Technische Universität München, Germany, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., UK. Consequently, the LunarSat spacecraft and mission are presented as an example of the proposed concept.
