Session
Year in Review Research & Academia
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
To enable a broad range of space activities, small satellites require innovative solutions for lightweight, high-power generation. HELIOS-R (Harvesting Energy with Lightweight Integrated Origami Structure), co-developed by JAXA, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Sakase Adtech Co., Ltd., is a pioneering multifunctional membrane component. Launched in December 2025 as part of the RAISE-4 mission, it integrates thin-film solar arrays, a 5G array antenna, and an interferometer antenna on a 1-meter equilateral triangular membrane. This paper details a reliable operational framework developed by a diverse, student-led team from JAXA/ISAS to address stringent operational constraints and technical challenges arising from severe launch delays. Operating under the prime contractor's management without real-time transmission capabilities, the team is required to submit automated command sequences in advance. To maximize scientific returns, the team developed custom orbit prediction tools for precise imaging and radiation avoidance, alongside an online-centric infrastructure for remote telemetry visualization and rapid anomaly response. Furthermore, a 1.5-year launch delay resulted in the graduation of the original developers. To bridge this technical gap, the team implemented rigorous training, including independent study groups and operational simulations using a spare hardware unit. A core element ensuring operational quality is the "Supervisor (SV)" system, modeled after the Hayabusa2 mission. Assigned on a rotating basis, the SV role ensures robust continuity while fostering proactive ownership among students. Currently in its initial operation phase, HELIOS-R has achieved organized operations with minimized human-induced errors. This paper provides a comprehensive technical overview of the system and serves as a model for ensuring technical succession in student-led satellite missions.
Document Type
Event
Student-Led Operational Framework and Initial On-Orbit Lessons Learned in Multifunctional Membrane Mission HELIOS-R
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
To enable a broad range of space activities, small satellites require innovative solutions for lightweight, high-power generation. HELIOS-R (Harvesting Energy with Lightweight Integrated Origami Structure), co-developed by JAXA, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Sakase Adtech Co., Ltd., is a pioneering multifunctional membrane component. Launched in December 2025 as part of the RAISE-4 mission, it integrates thin-film solar arrays, a 5G array antenna, and an interferometer antenna on a 1-meter equilateral triangular membrane. This paper details a reliable operational framework developed by a diverse, student-led team from JAXA/ISAS to address stringent operational constraints and technical challenges arising from severe launch delays. Operating under the prime contractor's management without real-time transmission capabilities, the team is required to submit automated command sequences in advance. To maximize scientific returns, the team developed custom orbit prediction tools for precise imaging and radiation avoidance, alongside an online-centric infrastructure for remote telemetry visualization and rapid anomaly response. Furthermore, a 1.5-year launch delay resulted in the graduation of the original developers. To bridge this technical gap, the team implemented rigorous training, including independent study groups and operational simulations using a spare hardware unit. A core element ensuring operational quality is the "Supervisor (SV)" system, modeled after the Hayabusa2 mission. Assigned on a rotating basis, the SV role ensures robust continuity while fostering proactive ownership among students. Currently in its initial operation phase, HELIOS-R has achieved organized operations with minimized human-induced errors. This paper provides a comprehensive technical overview of the system and serves as a model for ensuring technical succession in student-led satellite missions.
