Session
Technical Session II: Year in Review
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The Department of the Air Force initiated the Rogue Alpha/Beta Cube Satellite program to challenge The Aerospace Corporation to investigate rapid reconstitution capabilities. The primary objective was to demonstrate swift development of a low cost, small size, weight, and power infrared sensing satellite in Low Earth Orbit via schedule adherence to launch in 18 months. Aerospace achieved this goal by building two identical 3U satellites made with commercial and non-exotic components. The team was dedicated to building, testing, and making sure the spacecraft met all milestones successfully, providing pertinent lessons. First, complications faced during assembly helped lay standards for future use of commercial parts in proliferated networks. Second, the team learned the importance of conducting rigorous inspections to reduce trouble shooting later. Third was the value of developing a commoditized bus to allow for deeper pay load focus, especially for satellite constellations. Finally, the team identified the impending need for small, affordable, and swiftly obtainable CNSSP-12 encryption solutions for future Department of Defense missions utilizing small satellites. With the vehicles in space, the team expects to gain valuable information on the infrared sensors used, create a baseline for LEO infrared imaging algorithm development, and evaluate LEO concept of operations for multiple satellites.
Building Satellites in 18 Months: Lessons Learned from the Rogue Alpha/Beta CubeSats
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The Department of the Air Force initiated the Rogue Alpha/Beta Cube Satellite program to challenge The Aerospace Corporation to investigate rapid reconstitution capabilities. The primary objective was to demonstrate swift development of a low cost, small size, weight, and power infrared sensing satellite in Low Earth Orbit via schedule adherence to launch in 18 months. Aerospace achieved this goal by building two identical 3U satellites made with commercial and non-exotic components. The team was dedicated to building, testing, and making sure the spacecraft met all milestones successfully, providing pertinent lessons. First, complications faced during assembly helped lay standards for future use of commercial parts in proliferated networks. Second, the team learned the importance of conducting rigorous inspections to reduce trouble shooting later. Third was the value of developing a commoditized bus to allow for deeper pay load focus, especially for satellite constellations. Finally, the team identified the impending need for small, affordable, and swiftly obtainable CNSSP-12 encryption solutions for future Department of Defense missions utilizing small satellites. With the vehicles in space, the team expects to gain valuable information on the infrared sensors used, create a baseline for LEO infrared imaging algorithm development, and evaluate LEO concept of operations for multiple satellites.
