Session
Next on the Pad Research & Academia
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
The Mirzo Ulugbek satellite is a 6U CubeSat designed for Earth Observation (EO) and equipped with a high-resolution camera system. Developed in collaboration between the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and the Uzbekistan Space Agency, Mirzo Ulugbek will be deployed directly from a launch vehicle into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) to enable continuous Earth observation. This paper presents the modular structural design, analysis, and Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) processes that ensure the satellite’s robustness during launch and reliable operation in orbit. The modular design allows efficient integration, disassembly, and reassembly of subsystems, enhancing flexibility during testing. This design approach builds upon Kyutech’s prior experience in 6U-class CubeSat development, particularly through the KITSUNE and VERTECS missions, where modular structural concepts and structured AIT workflows were implemented. Lessons learned from these projects, including subsystem accessibility, mechanical interface standardization, and integration sequencing, are incorporated into the Mirzo Ulugbek structural architecture. Structural integrity is evaluated through static and modal analyses, with modal analysis confirming that the natural frequencies exceed 40 Hz to satisfy launch vehicle stiffness requirements. Static and modal analyses further demonstrate the satellite's ability to withstand launch-induced mechanical loads. A key feature of Mirzo Ulugbek is its thruster subsystem, which is designed in a compact “tuna can” form factor. Positioned in alignment with the camera subsystem, the thruster optimizes space utilization while ensuring minimal interference with the camera’s operation. This efficient layout supports the satellite’s manoeuvring capabilities without compromising structural integrity or performance. The AIT process integrates critical subsystems, including power generation, communication, on-board data handling, and thermal management, with Kyutech’s attitude determination and control system. The Kyutech Bus system serves as the central platform for subsystem integration and communication. Mechanical environmental verification activities, including shock, random vibration, and sinusoidal vibration testing, are planned to validate the satellite's structural robustness. The Mirzo Ulugbek mission, set for launch in Q3 2027, will provide valuable Earth Observation data to Uzbekistan, supporting both scientific and commercial applications.
Document Type
Event
Mirzo Ulugbek 6U CubeSat: Modular Structural Design, Analysis, and AIT for Earth Observation Mission Deployment
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
The Mirzo Ulugbek satellite is a 6U CubeSat designed for Earth Observation (EO) and equipped with a high-resolution camera system. Developed in collaboration between the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and the Uzbekistan Space Agency, Mirzo Ulugbek will be deployed directly from a launch vehicle into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) to enable continuous Earth observation. This paper presents the modular structural design, analysis, and Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) processes that ensure the satellite’s robustness during launch and reliable operation in orbit. The modular design allows efficient integration, disassembly, and reassembly of subsystems, enhancing flexibility during testing. This design approach builds upon Kyutech’s prior experience in 6U-class CubeSat development, particularly through the KITSUNE and VERTECS missions, where modular structural concepts and structured AIT workflows were implemented. Lessons learned from these projects, including subsystem accessibility, mechanical interface standardization, and integration sequencing, are incorporated into the Mirzo Ulugbek structural architecture. Structural integrity is evaluated through static and modal analyses, with modal analysis confirming that the natural frequencies exceed 40 Hz to satisfy launch vehicle stiffness requirements. Static and modal analyses further demonstrate the satellite's ability to withstand launch-induced mechanical loads. A key feature of Mirzo Ulugbek is its thruster subsystem, which is designed in a compact “tuna can” form factor. Positioned in alignment with the camera subsystem, the thruster optimizes space utilization while ensuring minimal interference with the camera’s operation. This efficient layout supports the satellite’s manoeuvring capabilities without compromising structural integrity or performance. The AIT process integrates critical subsystems, including power generation, communication, on-board data handling, and thermal management, with Kyutech’s attitude determination and control system. The Kyutech Bus system serves as the central platform for subsystem integration and communication. Mechanical environmental verification activities, including shock, random vibration, and sinusoidal vibration testing, are planned to validate the satellite's structural robustness. The Mirzo Ulugbek mission, set for launch in Q3 2027, will provide valuable Earth Observation data to Uzbekistan, supporting both scientific and commercial applications.
