Session
Pre-Conference Poster Session I
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
The Quickly Universally Integrated Concept CubeSat platform, or QUIC, is an experimental space mission architecture that intends to address the need for a rapid development path towards flight readiness by standardizing essential engineering aspects of a satellite, such as chassis, avionics, and power systems, while providing an interface that can quickly and readily accept mission payloads. While the smaller form factor and theoretical simplicity of CubeSats have enabled space access at relatively low costs there still exists a very high barrier to success for first-time CubeSat builders. This is especially true in academia where engineering a CubeSat from the ground up is the longest and most difficult part of development compared to preparing the payload, especially in teams without structural, thermal, or electrical analytical expertise. Independent research has also shown that CubeSat missions often suffer from a high rate of failure and lack of replicability due to these challenges being pitted against teams unfamiliar with traditional space systems engineering processes. Furthermore, in a competitive market of space access, supply for launches has begun to outpace the demand, as not enough small satellites can be produced to keep up with traditional methods. By consolidating communication through a universal interface, various payloads can be connected without compatibility issues and clients can program data collection, computation, and transmission to suit their needs with the onboard computer without incurring significant challenges with hardware integration. As QUIC is designed to accelerate prototyping and development, all components would be easily machined or purchased as commercial off the shelf parts, and assembly can be done by even high school students, vastly expanding the range of access for Low Earth Orbit research. It also is not limited to space, as Bronco Space at Cal Poly Pomona will employ the first stages of QUIC for their high-altitude balloon program, the Balloon Launch Assessment Directive for Engineers, or BLADE.
The Quickly Universally Integrated CubeSat: Rapid Integration for Small Packages
Utah State University, Logan, UT
The Quickly Universally Integrated Concept CubeSat platform, or QUIC, is an experimental space mission architecture that intends to address the need for a rapid development path towards flight readiness by standardizing essential engineering aspects of a satellite, such as chassis, avionics, and power systems, while providing an interface that can quickly and readily accept mission payloads. While the smaller form factor and theoretical simplicity of CubeSats have enabled space access at relatively low costs there still exists a very high barrier to success for first-time CubeSat builders. This is especially true in academia where engineering a CubeSat from the ground up is the longest and most difficult part of development compared to preparing the payload, especially in teams without structural, thermal, or electrical analytical expertise. Independent research has also shown that CubeSat missions often suffer from a high rate of failure and lack of replicability due to these challenges being pitted against teams unfamiliar with traditional space systems engineering processes. Furthermore, in a competitive market of space access, supply for launches has begun to outpace the demand, as not enough small satellites can be produced to keep up with traditional methods. By consolidating communication through a universal interface, various payloads can be connected without compatibility issues and clients can program data collection, computation, and transmission to suit their needs with the onboard computer without incurring significant challenges with hardware integration. As QUIC is designed to accelerate prototyping and development, all components would be easily machined or purchased as commercial off the shelf parts, and assembly can be done by even high school students, vastly expanding the range of access for Low Earth Orbit research. It also is not limited to space, as Bronco Space at Cal Poly Pomona will employ the first stages of QUIC for their high-altitude balloon program, the Balloon Launch Assessment Directive for Engineers, or BLADE.
