Session
Swifty Session I
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The increasing number of spacefaring nations and agendas, miniaturization of subsystems, and trend toward integrated systems are no doubt influencing the evolution of space systems. The diversification of space architectures has surged at an unprecedented rate in recent history with initial deployments of planned mega-constellations. This paper explores HIVE-a reconfigurable small satellite system primed to revolutionize the concept of modular space systems and future space architectures.
Based on a mass producible functioning unit consisting of nested rings, HIVE is a comprehensive satellite design harnessing advancement in robotics, software and machine learning, precision scale manufacturing, and novel materials with multifunctional properties. HIVE is addressing solutions for detailed design of interconnected hardware, engineering analysis for multi-payload applications, and policy to accomplish modularized, in-space deployment and reconfiguration.
The HIVE unit design lends itself to the “infinite possibilities” of space mission architectures and presents a revolutionary way to design, integrate, and operate missions from space. This paper provides and overview of the HIVE concept development and provides examples of applications for HIVE to showcase the range of possible systems and architectural advantages; such as space domain awareness, large service structure, and planetary surface infrastructure. Finally, we will discuss technology transfer and possible pathways to making a resilient, adaptable, and continually upgradable space infrastructure a reality.
HIVE: A Space Architecture Concept
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The increasing number of spacefaring nations and agendas, miniaturization of subsystems, and trend toward integrated systems are no doubt influencing the evolution of space systems. The diversification of space architectures has surged at an unprecedented rate in recent history with initial deployments of planned mega-constellations. This paper explores HIVE-a reconfigurable small satellite system primed to revolutionize the concept of modular space systems and future space architectures.
Based on a mass producible functioning unit consisting of nested rings, HIVE is a comprehensive satellite design harnessing advancement in robotics, software and machine learning, precision scale manufacturing, and novel materials with multifunctional properties. HIVE is addressing solutions for detailed design of interconnected hardware, engineering analysis for multi-payload applications, and policy to accomplish modularized, in-space deployment and reconfiguration.
The HIVE unit design lends itself to the “infinite possibilities” of space mission architectures and presents a revolutionary way to design, integrate, and operate missions from space. This paper provides and overview of the HIVE concept development and provides examples of applications for HIVE to showcase the range of possible systems and architectural advantages; such as space domain awareness, large service structure, and planetary surface infrastructure. Finally, we will discuss technology transfer and possible pathways to making a resilient, adaptable, and continually upgradable space infrastructure a reality.
