Session
Technical Session VIIIB: Cubesat Missions
Abstract
With the demonstration of low cost pico-satellites, and the development of Stanford University’s Cubesat program, a new test bed for technology and science demonstrations is gaining acceptance. Cubesat spacecraft, having a mass of approximately 1 kg, are appropriately suited for test and qualification of microelectronics and MEMS technologies. While these spacecraft currently have subsystems with limited functionality, existing micro-fabricated technology and new technology under development for space will quickly change this picture. Examples of capabilities and technologies on the micro-system level achievable in the next few years are ion thrusters, precise attitude control, formation flying, dynamic mesh network communications, and micro-scale plasma and environment sensors. Examples are discussed where SRI and Stanford are working to demonstrate technologies on Cubesats while also providing students with exposure to the full scope of systems engineering that is typical with more traditional spacecraft projects. Furthermore, scientific studies involving constellations and multi-point measurements can be carried out at costs previously considered unrealistic. With the cost and operational expenses of a Cubesat type system within research level budgets, organizations such as SRI and Stanford are taking advantage of rapid space technology prototyping to challenge traditional aerospace system development assumptions.
Cubesats: A Technology and Science Mission Low-cost Test Bed
With the demonstration of low cost pico-satellites, and the development of Stanford University’s Cubesat program, a new test bed for technology and science demonstrations is gaining acceptance. Cubesat spacecraft, having a mass of approximately 1 kg, are appropriately suited for test and qualification of microelectronics and MEMS technologies. While these spacecraft currently have subsystems with limited functionality, existing micro-fabricated technology and new technology under development for space will quickly change this picture. Examples of capabilities and technologies on the micro-system level achievable in the next few years are ion thrusters, precise attitude control, formation flying, dynamic mesh network communications, and micro-scale plasma and environment sensors. Examples are discussed where SRI and Stanford are working to demonstrate technologies on Cubesats while also providing students with exposure to the full scope of systems engineering that is typical with more traditional spacecraft projects. Furthermore, scientific studies involving constellations and multi-point measurements can be carried out at costs previously considered unrealistic. With the cost and operational expenses of a Cubesat type system within research level budgets, organizations such as SRI and Stanford are taking advantage of rapid space technology prototyping to challenge traditional aerospace system development assumptions.
