Formation Flying Demonstration Missions Enabled by CanX Nanosatellite Technology
Abstract
Two nanosatellite missions that lay the groundwork for satellite formation flying are being realized at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Space Flight Laboratory (UTIAS/SFL). Such an undertaking has never before been attempted with satellites of this size (< 10 kg). These missions will establish the core technologies necessary for formation flying endeavours at any scale, while capitalizing on the low-cost nature and rapid design cycle of nanosatellites. The key technologies being developed for the nanosatellite missions are nanosatellite propulsion, centimeter-level position determination, and active, three-axis attitude control. The first mission, CanX-2, currently nearing completion, will evaluate the core subsystems listed above. Its planned launch is scheduled for mid-2006. CanX-2 will be followed by a dual satellite mission, CanX-4 and -5, to be launched in 2008, that will build upon the experience gained from CanX-2 and demonstrate actual formation flying. This paper describes the design of CanX-2 and the practical lessons learned to date that can be applied to CanX-4 and -5. The objectives and preliminary mission profile for CanX-4 and -5 are also outlined.
Formation Flying Demonstration Missions Enabled by CanX Nanosatellite Technology
Two nanosatellite missions that lay the groundwork for satellite formation flying are being realized at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Space Flight Laboratory (UTIAS/SFL). Such an undertaking has never before been attempted with satellites of this size (< 10 kg). These missions will establish the core technologies necessary for formation flying endeavours at any scale, while capitalizing on the low-cost nature and rapid design cycle of nanosatellites. The key technologies being developed for the nanosatellite missions are nanosatellite propulsion, centimeter-level position determination, and active, three-axis attitude control. The first mission, CanX-2, currently nearing completion, will evaluate the core subsystems listed above. Its planned launch is scheduled for mid-2006. CanX-2 will be followed by a dual satellite mission, CanX-4 and -5, to be launched in 2008, that will build upon the experience gained from CanX-2 and demonstrate actual formation flying. This paper describes the design of CanX-2 and the practical lessons learned to date that can be applied to CanX-4 and -5. The objectives and preliminary mission profile for CanX-4 and -5 are also outlined.
