Session
Next on the Pad Research & Academia
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
The Stuttgart Operated University Research Cubesat for Evaluation and Education 2 (SOURCE-2) mission serves as a student-led hands-on education project at the University of Stuttgart. Developed jointly by the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), and the Student Small Satellite Association (KSat e.V.) at the University of Stuttgart, the mission enables students to apply theoretical knowledge within an interdisciplinary 6U+ CubeSat project while simultaneously serving as a technology demonstration platform for sustainable space technologies. The payload suite targets future On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), Active Debris Removal (ADR), and next-generation small satellite missions. This paper presents the development, verification strategy, and planned in-orbit demonstration of the SOURCE-2 payload suite.
The spacecraft integrates six complementary payloads together with the Pulsed Electric ThRuster of the University of Stuttgart (PETRUS) electric propulsion system. The DEmonstration Tracking of E-paper marKer Targets (DETEKT) payload investigates vision-based relative navigation using an extendable camera boom and external e-paper displays to evaluate marker-based pose estimation methods while simultaneously assessing the suitability of e-paper technology for space applications. The Ferrowheels (FWs) payload demonstrates ferrofluidic reaction wheels utilizing ferrofluidic-permanent magnet bearings to address the lifetime limitations of conventional reaction wheels. RePolySat validates recycled thermoplastics for additively manufactured spacecraft structures serving as containment for the FWs. RePolySat explores sustainable spacecraft manufacturing by validating recycled thermoplastics for additive manufactured structural components in orbit to be used as containment structure of the ferrowheels. The Data Downlink System (DDS) demonstrates a compact PC104-compatible high-data-rate S-band downlink system for efficient payload data transmission. The CorePCB Light payload evaluates a modular onboard computing platform with integrated radiation monitoring and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) measurements to investigate the performance of commercial electronics in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Finally, the Spider Silk payload investigates the degradation of biological fibers under combined space environmental effects. To complement the sustainability-based mission objectives, the PETRUS propulsion system demonstrates pulsed plasma propulsion for orbit raising and maintenance.
In this paper, first an overview of the SOURCE-2 mission is given. Then, for each payload, this paper outlines the motivation, system architecture, major design trade studies, and current mechanical, electrical, and software implementation. Furthermore, the verification and validation approach is discussed, including laboratory testing, environmental qualification, commissioning strategies, and planned in-orbit operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of heterogeneous technology demonstrations within a common CubeSat platform while satisfying spacecraft resource constraints and mission objectives. Together, the SOURCE-2 payload suite demonstrates how a single CubeSat mission can efficiently mature multiple technologies in parallel, generate valuable flight heritage, and establish a scalable framework for future university-led technology demonstration missions combining research, education, and sustainable spacecraft development.
Document Type
Event
Development, Verification and Operations of the Technology Demonstration Payloads on the SOURCE-2 Education Mission at the University of Stuttgart
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
The Stuttgart Operated University Research Cubesat for Evaluation and Education 2 (SOURCE-2) mission serves as a student-led hands-on education project at the University of Stuttgart. Developed jointly by the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), and the Student Small Satellite Association (KSat e.V.) at the University of Stuttgart, the mission enables students to apply theoretical knowledge within an interdisciplinary 6U+ CubeSat project while simultaneously serving as a technology demonstration platform for sustainable space technologies. The payload suite targets future On-Orbit Servicing (OOS), Active Debris Removal (ADR), and next-generation small satellite missions. This paper presents the development, verification strategy, and planned in-orbit demonstration of the SOURCE-2 payload suite.
The spacecraft integrates six complementary payloads together with the Pulsed Electric ThRuster of the University of Stuttgart (PETRUS) electric propulsion system. The DEmonstration Tracking of E-paper marKer Targets (DETEKT) payload investigates vision-based relative navigation using an extendable camera boom and external e-paper displays to evaluate marker-based pose estimation methods while simultaneously assessing the suitability of e-paper technology for space applications. The Ferrowheels (FWs) payload demonstrates ferrofluidic reaction wheels utilizing ferrofluidic-permanent magnet bearings to address the lifetime limitations of conventional reaction wheels. RePolySat validates recycled thermoplastics for additively manufactured spacecraft structures serving as containment for the FWs. RePolySat explores sustainable spacecraft manufacturing by validating recycled thermoplastics for additive manufactured structural components in orbit to be used as containment structure of the ferrowheels. The Data Downlink System (DDS) demonstrates a compact PC104-compatible high-data-rate S-band downlink system for efficient payload data transmission. The CorePCB Light payload evaluates a modular onboard computing platform with integrated radiation monitoring and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) measurements to investigate the performance of commercial electronics in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Finally, the Spider Silk payload investigates the degradation of biological fibers under combined space environmental effects. To complement the sustainability-based mission objectives, the PETRUS propulsion system demonstrates pulsed plasma propulsion for orbit raising and maintenance.
In this paper, first an overview of the SOURCE-2 mission is given. Then, for each payload, this paper outlines the motivation, system architecture, major design trade studies, and current mechanical, electrical, and software implementation. Furthermore, the verification and validation approach is discussed, including laboratory testing, environmental qualification, commissioning strategies, and planned in-orbit operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of heterogeneous technology demonstrations within a common CubeSat platform while satisfying spacecraft resource constraints and mission objectives. Together, the SOURCE-2 payload suite demonstrates how a single CubeSat mission can efficiently mature multiple technologies in parallel, generate valuable flight heritage, and establish a scalable framework for future university-led technology demonstration missions combining research, education, and sustainable spacecraft development.
