Session
Pre-Conference Workshop Session I: Advanced Concepts I
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Satellites for a constellation can be build in a significantly more cost-effective way because the Non-recurring Engineering charges (NRE) can be spread over multiple units. A further significant cost reduction can be achieved if the units and subsystems are optimized for volume production and the units are produced in a continuous production line with a sustainable throughput. Though this optimized production can lead to significant improvement in cost effectiveness, this should in no way impair the reliability of the products. It can be reasoned that the approach implemented by Lens R&D will even increase the reliability of production as it allows for statistical process monitor and control of the product quality.
As reliability and cost effectiveness in volume production are core to the Return On Investment (ROI) for constellation owners, these properties have been core design drivers for the BiSon Sunsensors discussed in this paper.
After a design change that led to the development of an automated assembly robot, the cutting edge BiSon64-ET and BiSon64-ET-B Sunsensors developed by Lens R&D went through a full ESA qualification program. This means that for the first time ever, a Sunsensor optimized for volume manufacturing has finished a full ESA qualification program. A flight contract has been signed to fly 20 sensors on the two ESA science satellites making up the Proba-3mission. Flight data however already will be received earlier, through a precursor 3U Cubesat mission, flown through the Dutch company Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS).
This paper focusses on the novel manufacturing approach used, the qualification performed and the processes needed to cost effectively produce large quantities of Sunsensors for constellation applications.
Qualification and Flight of a Cutting Edge Sunsensor for Constellation Applications
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Satellites for a constellation can be build in a significantly more cost-effective way because the Non-recurring Engineering charges (NRE) can be spread over multiple units. A further significant cost reduction can be achieved if the units and subsystems are optimized for volume production and the units are produced in a continuous production line with a sustainable throughput. Though this optimized production can lead to significant improvement in cost effectiveness, this should in no way impair the reliability of the products. It can be reasoned that the approach implemented by Lens R&D will even increase the reliability of production as it allows for statistical process monitor and control of the product quality.
As reliability and cost effectiveness in volume production are core to the Return On Investment (ROI) for constellation owners, these properties have been core design drivers for the BiSon Sunsensors discussed in this paper.
After a design change that led to the development of an automated assembly robot, the cutting edge BiSon64-ET and BiSon64-ET-B Sunsensors developed by Lens R&D went through a full ESA qualification program. This means that for the first time ever, a Sunsensor optimized for volume manufacturing has finished a full ESA qualification program. A flight contract has been signed to fly 20 sensors on the two ESA science satellites making up the Proba-3mission. Flight data however already will be received earlier, through a precursor 3U Cubesat mission, flown through the Dutch company Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS).
This paper focusses on the novel manufacturing approach used, the qualification performed and the processes needed to cost effectively produce large quantities of Sunsensors for constellation applications.
