The SwissCube: Results and Lessons Learned After 4 Years of Operations in Space
Session
Pre-Conference: CubeSat Developers' Workshop
Abstract
SwissCube is the first Swiss built nanosatellite. 23rd of September 2013 will mark the 4th anniversary of operations in orbit. Here we will present results from more than 3 years of operations in space, including results from the payload. The project was started in 2006 and more than 200 students have participated in design, manufacturing, assembly, verification, testing and operations. In this paper we present a general description of the hardware used for SwissCube, giving a particular attention to the tests done before and after flight, describing the payload mounted and the results achieved. This study describes the latest results as well as some lessons learned. We will present analysis of payload operations, temperature and voltage history. We will detail our analysis of the Attitude Control and Determination subsystem, which is based on a B-dot controller using magento-torquers, gyros, magneto-meters, sun-sensors and thermometers. The goal of SwissCube was mainly educational, teaching and showing to students how to build a Nano/Pico satellite with available just 10x10x10cm and 1kg and this study wants to show the results achieved during the design and the test according to the flight data, in order to increase the technology and the “know-how” experience of CubeSats platforms.
Presentation Slides
The SwissCube: Results and Lessons Learned After 4 Years of Operations in Space
SwissCube is the first Swiss built nanosatellite. 23rd of September 2013 will mark the 4th anniversary of operations in orbit. Here we will present results from more than 3 years of operations in space, including results from the payload. The project was started in 2006 and more than 200 students have participated in design, manufacturing, assembly, verification, testing and operations. In this paper we present a general description of the hardware used for SwissCube, giving a particular attention to the tests done before and after flight, describing the payload mounted and the results achieved. This study describes the latest results as well as some lessons learned. We will present analysis of payload operations, temperature and voltage history. We will detail our analysis of the Attitude Control and Determination subsystem, which is based on a B-dot controller using magento-torquers, gyros, magneto-meters, sun-sensors and thermometers. The goal of SwissCube was mainly educational, teaching and showing to students how to build a Nano/Pico satellite with available just 10x10x10cm and 1kg and this study wants to show the results achieved during the design and the test according to the flight data, in order to increase the technology and the “know-how” experience of CubeSats platforms.
