Session
Technical Session III: Reflections on the Past
Abstract
The Prisma smallsat in-orbit test-bed was launched on the 15th of June, 2010 to demonstrate strategies and technologies for formation flying and rendezvous. The mission consists of two spacecraft: Mango and Tango. Mango is 3-axis stabilized and is equipped with a propulsion system providing full 3D orbit control capability. Tango has a simplified solar magnetic control system and does not have any orbit control capability. The two spacecraft were launched clamped together into a 720/780 km altitude sun synchronous dawn-dusk orbit, and later separated in August of 2010. Since then, the two spacecraft, and rather lean operations team, have been performing a steady march through a tight mission and experiment timeline. This paper gives an overview of the Prisma mission in general and will focus on the lessons that have been learned from running a relatively intense, yet lean, small satellite technology demonstration mission. It has proven to show the value of autonomy and small platform applications, allowing for a high return on effort. Spacecraft autonomy and small, highly competent teams have allowed for quick and cost effective adaptations to changes and problem situations. The broad range of flight results from only one year in operation support these conclusions.
Presentation Slides
One Year of In-Flight Results from the Prisma Formation Flying Demonstration Mission
The Prisma smallsat in-orbit test-bed was launched on the 15th of June, 2010 to demonstrate strategies and technologies for formation flying and rendezvous. The mission consists of two spacecraft: Mango and Tango. Mango is 3-axis stabilized and is equipped with a propulsion system providing full 3D orbit control capability. Tango has a simplified solar magnetic control system and does not have any orbit control capability. The two spacecraft were launched clamped together into a 720/780 km altitude sun synchronous dawn-dusk orbit, and later separated in August of 2010. Since then, the two spacecraft, and rather lean operations team, have been performing a steady march through a tight mission and experiment timeline. This paper gives an overview of the Prisma mission in general and will focus on the lessons that have been learned from running a relatively intense, yet lean, small satellite technology demonstration mission. It has proven to show the value of autonomy and small platform applications, allowing for a high return on effort. Spacecraft autonomy and small, highly competent teams have allowed for quick and cost effective adaptations to changes and problem situations. The broad range of flight results from only one year in operation support these conclusions.
