Session
Session 4: Launch
Abstract
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) developed an innovative system called the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) to deploy satellites into orbit from the Japanese Experiment Module (“Kibo”), which is one of the ISS modules, by taking advantage of its one and only function of having both an airlock and a robotic arm. The satellites are delivered to Kibo as part of the spaceship cargo load, thereby mitigating the launch mechanical environment and increasing launch opportunities. In 2012, we successfully deployed five satellites on the first J-SSOD mission, which opened new capabilities for Kibo/ISS utilization and contributed to broadening the possibilities for the Micro/Nano-satellites. At present, satellite deployers other than J-SSOD that use Kibo include the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) and Cyclops (Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems). As of May 2017, 193 satellites have been successfully deployed from Kibo. This paper introduces an overview of this innovative launch opportunity and related international cooperation.
Presentation
Innovative launch opportunity for Micro/Nano-satellite by using one and only function on Kibo/ISS
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) developed an innovative system called the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) to deploy satellites into orbit from the Japanese Experiment Module (“Kibo”), which is one of the ISS modules, by taking advantage of its one and only function of having both an airlock and a robotic arm. The satellites are delivered to Kibo as part of the spaceship cargo load, thereby mitigating the launch mechanical environment and increasing launch opportunities. In 2012, we successfully deployed five satellites on the first J-SSOD mission, which opened new capabilities for Kibo/ISS utilization and contributed to broadening the possibilities for the Micro/Nano-satellites. At present, satellite deployers other than J-SSOD that use Kibo include the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) and Cyclops (Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems). As of May 2017, 193 satellites have been successfully deployed from Kibo. This paper introduces an overview of this innovative launch opportunity and related international cooperation.
