A University Deep Space CubeSat Mission: Lessons Learned from the University of Colorado Boulder Earth Escape Explorer (CU-E3)

A University Deep Space CubeSat Mission: Lessons Learned from the University of Colorado Boulder Earth Escape Explorer (CU-E3)

Utah State University, Logan, UT

The University of Colorado Boulder Earth Escape Explorer (CU-E³) CubeSat is a student designed and built CubeSat initially slated for launch into deep space on Artemis-1, the inaugural launch of the NASA Space Launch System (SLS). CU-E³ was designed to compete in the Cube Quest Challenge’s (CQC) Deep Space Derby for monetary prizes associated with deep space communication system performance, while also serving as a technology demonstration platform for a series of innovative university CubeSat technologies and practices, including a low-cost X-band CubeSat transmitter, an X-band reflectarray antenna, and the use of solar radiation pressure to control reaction wheel momentum build-up. An overview of the CU-E³ project, including mission concept of operations, system architecture, and major component descriptions are provided. Emphasis is focused the challenges and lessons learned as a participant of the CQC with a student designed and built deep space CubeSat. These challenges include student turnover, limited commercial ground station capabilities and availability, deep space thermal environment, secondary payload safety procedures for the human space rated SLS, and deep space trajectory variance.