Session
Technical Session VI: The Upcoming Year
Abstract
A novel concept of satellite design, named "PETSAT," is proposed in this paper. In this concept, a satellite is made of several "Functional Panels" such as "Communication panel," "Attitude control panel," "Thruster panel," and “Mission Panel,” each of which has a special dedicated function. By connecting these panels by reliable connection mechanism in "plug-in" fashion, the total integrated system as a whole has a satellite function. Various combinations of functional panels, (for example, one communication panel + three attitude control panels + two thruster panels, etc.) provide flexibility to deal with various mission requirements, even though the basic panels are the same for various missions. First, PETSAT concept is described and its strong points and shortcomings are discussed. Next, several key technologies are explained in more detail, including panel structures, deployment mechanism, power distribution network, information network architecture and thruster system. Finally the current status of development of SOHLA-2, an in-orbit demonstration satellite for PETSAT concept planned to be launched in 2008-2009, will be briefly described.
Presentation Slides
A Novel Satellite Concept “Panel Extension Satellite (PETSAT)” Consisting of Plug-in, Modular, Functional Panels
A novel concept of satellite design, named "PETSAT," is proposed in this paper. In this concept, a satellite is made of several "Functional Panels" such as "Communication panel," "Attitude control panel," "Thruster panel," and “Mission Panel,” each of which has a special dedicated function. By connecting these panels by reliable connection mechanism in "plug-in" fashion, the total integrated system as a whole has a satellite function. Various combinations of functional panels, (for example, one communication panel + three attitude control panels + two thruster panels, etc.) provide flexibility to deal with various mission requirements, even though the basic panels are the same for various missions. First, PETSAT concept is described and its strong points and shortcomings are discussed. Next, several key technologies are explained in more detail, including panel structures, deployment mechanism, power distribution network, information network architecture and thruster system. Finally the current status of development of SOHLA-2, an in-orbit demonstration satellite for PETSAT concept planned to be launched in 2008-2009, will be briefly described.
