What We Learned from the Tokyo Tech 50 kg-satellite "TSUBAME"

Presenter Information

Yoichi YATSU, Dept. of Physics, School of Science, Tokyo University of Science
Nobuyuki KAWAI, Dept. of Physics, School of Science, Tokyo University of Science
Shin'ichi KIMURA, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science
Masanori MATSUSHITA, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Shota KAWAJIRI, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Kyosuke TAWARA, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Kei Ohta, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Masaya KOGA, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Session

Session 4: Lessons Learned

Abstract

A 50 kg-class micro satellite “TSUBAME” was launched in 2014. After a critical phase, the receiving sensitivity of the RF system on board the satellite dropped significantly and the way for command uplink was lost. A thorough investigation was conducted after the failure to determine the causes, based on the obtained telemetry and reproductive experiments in lab room. The detailed data analysis revealed many other malfunctions had occurred. In parallel with the investigation of the fault points, we also classified these malfunctions into several categories in terms of development phase, technological aspects, and management.