CubeSat Handbook : From Mission Design to Operations

CubeSat Handbook: From Mission Design to Operations is the first book solely devoted to the design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operations of CubeSats. Beginning with an historical overview from CubeSat co-inventors Robert Twiggs and Jordi Puig-Suari, the book is divided into 6 parts with contributions from international experts in the area of small satellites and CubeSats. It covers topics such as standard interfaces, on-board & ground software, industry standards in terms of control algorithms and sub-systems, systems engineering, standards for AITV (assembly, integration, testing and validation) activities, and launch regulations. This comprehensive resource provides all the information needed for engineers and developers in industry and academia to successfully design and launch a CubeSat mission. Provides an overview on all aspects that a CubeSat developer needs to analyze during mission design and its realization Features practical examples on how to design and deal with possible issues during a CubeSat mission Covers new developments and technologies, including ThinSats and PocketQubeSats Front-Matter_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Front matter Copyright_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Copyright About-the-editors_2021_Cubesat-Handbook About the editors Contributors_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Contributors Preface_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Preface Introduction--The-history-of-the-CubeSat-by-Bob-Twiggs-and_2021_Cubesat-Hand Introduction: The history of the CubeSat by Bob Twiggs and Jordi Puig-Suari The CubeSat standard The PPOD The first CubeSat launches CanSat-The proto-history of the CubeSat Use of amateur radio frequencies NASA and NSF get in the game The PocketQube The ThinSat CubeSats take off Introduction_2021_Cubesat-Handbook1 Systems engineering applied to CubeSats Introduction Engineering vs. systems engineering Systems engineering standards overview A couple of lessons learned Systems engineering standards Model-based systems engineering vs. document-based systems engineering Which standards to use? Phases, documentation, and project reviews Phase A Objectives of phase A Review at the end of phase A: Preliminary requirements review Documentation in phase A Phase B Objectives of phase B Review at the end of phase B: Preliminary design review Documentation in phase B Phase C Objectives of phase C Review at the end of phase C: Critical design review Documentation in phase C Phase D Objectives of phase D Review at the end of phase D: Acceptance review Documentation in phase D Requirements definition: User, mission, and system Requirements definition and the V-model Examples of requirements for a CubeSat mission User requirements document Mission requirements document System requirements document Subsystem requirements document Mission cost analysis Cost breakdown structure Cost estimation Software development cost estimation Other estimation models Cost estimation for the LEON-I mission Cost planning (or cost scheduling) Cost planning for the LEON-I mission Cost monitoring and control Budget at completion Planned value Earned value Actual cost Schedule variance Cost variance Schedule performance index Cost performance index Estimate at completion Projection at the rate of the original budget Projection at a rate modified by the CPI Projection at a rate modified by the CPI and the SPI Estimate at completion time Projection at the rate of the original budget Projection at a rate modified by the SPI Monitoring and controlling the LEON-I mission Cost estimation conclusions Summary References Further reading 1---Applied-astrodynamics_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Applied astrodynamics Introduction Principles and laws of astrodynamics The two-body problem Energy and orbital period Keplerian elements Orbit classification Perturbations Anomalies of the Earth gravitational field Atmospheric drag Leveraging natural dynamics in interplanetary missions GA maneuvers Resonant encounters High-altitude fly-bys Weak stability boundaries and ballistic capture Hyperbolic manifolds and interplanetary transport network References 2---CubeSat-missions-and-applications_2021_Cubesat-Handbook CubeSat missions and applications Introduction Applications CubeSats enhancing traditional satellite missions and objectives Earth remote sensing Telecommunications Astronomy CubeSats supporting space-borne experiments CubeSats as technology demonstrators CubeSats as deep space explorers CubeSats as distributed instruments in constellations Conclusions References 3---CubeSat-science-instruments_2021_Cubesat-Handbook CubeSat science instruments Introduction to CubeSat science instruments Current and planned CubeSat instruments Remote sensing instruments Instruments for astronomy and heliophysics The future of CubeSat instruments References 4---Interplanetary-CubeSat-missions_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Interplanetary CubeSat missions Introduction Destinations What makes interplanetary CubeSats different? Historical perspective and the first interplanetary CubeSat developers Solution paths to uniquely interplanetary challenges Radiation tolerance and mission duration Propulsion systems for interplanetary CubeSats Overcoming telecommunication challenges Deep space navigation and tracking of interplanetary CubeSats Deep space navigation and tracking of interplanetary CubeSat ground support Navigating CubeSats in deep space Mission implementation Success on (and lessons from) the first try: MarCO A and B Cislunar CubeSats Lunar IceCube Lunar Flashlight LunaH-Map Asteroids, Mars, and the outer Solar System Venus Planned NASA interplanetary CubeSat missions Venus CubeSat UV Experiment (CUVE) Cupids Arrow Earths Moon CubeSat X-ray Telescope (CubeX) Bisat Observations of the Lunar Atmosphere above Swirls (BOLAS) Asteroids Asteroid Probe Experiment (APEX) CubeSat Asteroid Encounters for Science and Reconnaissance (CAESAR) Mars Chariot to the Moons of Mars Aeolus Icy Moons and outer planets Small Next-generation Atmospheric Probe (SNAP) JUpiter MagnetosPheric boundary ExploreR (JUMPER) Planned ESA interplanetary CubeSat missions CubeSats on the Hera mission to Didymos LUnar CubeSats for Exploration (LUCE) LUMIO VMMO Miniaturized Asteroid Remote Geophysical Observer (M-ARGO) Future opportunities Daughter spacecraft to larger missions References 5---Distributed-CubeSat-mission-concepts_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Distributed CubeSat mission concepts Introduction Distributed CubeSat system concepts State of the art Constellations CubeSat clusters, series, swarms, and trains Fractionated CubeSat system concepts Federated CubeSat system concepts Enabling technologies Conclusion References 6---Constellations-and-formation-flying_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Constellations and formation flying Distributed space system definitions and features CubeSats constellations: Control problems and solutions Nanosatellites formation flight control Relative navigation problems Restricted propulsion and control approaches without propellant Swarm of nanosatellites decentralized control References 7---CubeSats-for-microbiology-and-astrobiology-research_2021_Cubesat-Handboo CubeSats for microbiology and astrobiology research Introduction CubeSats for microbiology research GeneSat-1 PharmaSat SporeSat EcAMSat CubeSats for astrobiology research Upcoming missions Discussion Acknowledgments References 8---Structure--new-materials--and-new-manufacturing-techn_2021_Cubesat-Handb Structure, new materials, and new manufacturing technologies Introduction Requirements and main characteristics Internal requirements Requirements dictated by the mission Requirements dictated by the bus Electric power system Telecommunication, tracking and command Attitude determination and control system Orbital determination and control system Electronics Thermal system External requirements Requirements dictated by the launch vehicle Requirements dictated by the space environment Requirements dictated by the deployer Design and verification process Structural design Structural analysis Loads Materials and manufacturing New manufacturing technologies New materials Windform XT 2.0 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Tests CubeSat-derived form factors PocketQubeSat Deployer Maiden mission TubeSat First TubeSat mission ThinSat Maiden mission and launch opportunities ChipSat Conclusions References 9---Electric-power-systems_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Electric power systems Introduction Electric power generation Power storage Power conditioning and distribution Power budget Conclusions References 10---On-board-data-handling-systems_2021_Cubesat-Handbook On-board data handling systems Introduction Component overview Generation Storage Transferring Time Processing Design considerations Design example-RAX Emerging trends References 11---Telemetry--tracking--and-command--TT-amp-C-_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) Introduction: Key factors to consider when designing TTandC for CubeSats Telecommunication system design Requirements Analysis Components selection and design finalization Telecommunication components for CubeSats Antennas Radios Optical telecommunications for CubeSat References 12---Onboard-software_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Onboard software Introduction Responsibilities of the onboard software Software architecture Command and data handling services Telemetry services Automation services Payload services Platform services Service bus Software development process Planning Analysis Design Implementation Testing Mission experiences Conclusion References 13---Orbit-determination-and-control-system_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Orbit determination and control system Introduction Orbit determination Ground-based technologies Onboard technologies Algorithms of orbit determination Batch estimation Filtering Orbit control Orbit control technologies Maneuvers Commands implementation References 14---Attitude-determination-and-control-systems_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Attitude determination and control systems Introduction Sensors Sun sensors Magnetic sensors Star mappers/trackers Earth sensors GNSS-based attitude knowledge Measuring attitude change-Gyros Stellar gyro Actuators Reaction wheels (flywheels) Control momentum gyro (CMG) Fluid dynamic actuator Magnetorquers Other methods Attitude control classification Gravity field and gravity-gradient ACS Magnetic field and magnetic ACS Atmospheric resistance and aerodynamical ACS Spinning and spin stabilization Solar radiation pressure Flywheels Attitude determination mathematical techniques Local methods Least mean squares algorithm (LMS) Kalman filtering (KF) Active attitude control approaches, techniques and algorithms B-dot Spin stabilization Three-axis stabilization Concluding comments References 15---Propulsion-system_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Propulsion system Overview Propulsion system assessment Propulsion system sizing Chemical propulsion system sizing Electric propulsion system sizing Propulsion technology mission applications Lunar mission example Libration orbit example Planetary mission (Mars) example Summary of examples Conclusion References 16---Thermal-control-system_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Thermal control system Introduction Workflow to design thermal control system for SmallSat spacecraft/CubeSats Requirements Conceptual design Detailed analysis Design validation Thermal management challenges Heat balance estimation Example Hot case Cold case Power Hardware for satellite temperature control (STC) Multilayer insulation (MLI) Highly conductive strips Heat pipes Thermal surface finishes Phase change material (PCM) Telemetry and commands References Introduction_2021_Cubesat-Handbook CubeSat assembly, integration, testing and verification Introduction Reliability growth through AITV activities International standard applied to CubeSat AITV activities ISO-19683 Satellite system tests EMC test and end-to-end mission simulation test Deployment test Launcher/spacecraft interface test Thermal test Satellite unit tests Unit QT in ISO-19683 Battery tests Concluding remarks References 17---Ground-segment_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Ground segment Introduction Ground segment overview Functionality Architecture Ground station RF hardware Antennas Filtering Low-noise amplifiers and down-converters Transceivers, modems, and software-defined radios Mechanical elements and pointing Considerations for high frequency bands Ground segment software Mission control software Orbit propagation Ground station control Ground segment operation Operation planning Contact execution Automation References 18---Ground-station-networks_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Ground station networks Ground segment development for CubeSat missions CubeSat mission overview Communication requirements Gain and pointing requirements Link availability and rain fade Impact at system level Networked ground stations University ground station networks Company ground station networks Commercial ground station networks Conclusions References 19---In-space-operations_2021_Cubesat-Handbook In-space operations Introduction Scope Operational models Preparation for operations Preflight testing and design for operations Recommended testing Ground station redundancy Real-time telemetry design Operational readiness tests Setup and design of ORTs Operational scenarios Timing of ORTs Tools, procedures, and documentation First contact Commissioning Expect the unexpected: dealing with anomalies Life signs: interpreting the received signal Real-time telemetry: Reading the tea leaves Human factors Operation user interface Healthy team, healthy spacecraft Human error Mission assurance during operations Prime mission and beyond Streamlining and optimizing operations for sustainability Rebalancing risk posture Training new operators Looking to the future References 20---CubeSats-and-orbital-debris_2021_Cubesat-Handbook CubeSats and orbital debris Introduction Orbital debris facts Use of reentry for mitigation CubeSats CubeSat mission analysis Determining a CubeSat ́s orbit lifetime Applicable orbital debris requirements CubeSats as measurement and remediation platforms for orbital debris Summary References 21---Launching-a-CubeSat--Rules--laws--and-best-practic_2021_Cubesat-Handboo Launching a CubeSat: Rules, laws, and best practice CubeSats: A different class of satellites? Space law Licensing and mission authorization Radio-frequency registration Radio amateur frequencies Frequency allocation Frequency assignment notification and recording procedure Space object registration Safety and cleanliness Export control Space debris mitigation, collision avoidance, and reentry casualty risk Space debris mitigation Collision avoidance Reentry casualty risk Third-party liability and insurance Acknowledgments References 22---Deployers_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Deployers Deployer overview Deployer survey Anatomy of a deployer Deployer door Deployer pusher plate Deployer springs Deployer chassis Deployment mechanism Rails and tabs Launch services requirements and documentation Deployer characteristics Deployer to CubeSat energy translation Thermal translation Dynamic energy translation CubeSat deployment tip-off rates Rail and tab considerations CubeSat to deployer testing CubeSat to deployer fit check and CubeSat acceptance checklist Dynamics testing Thermal vacuum testing Additional CubeSat design considerations Center of mass Mechanical envelope Electrical interfaces Separation springs Inhibit switches Vehicle to dispenser integration CubeSat postintegration, prelaunch delays CubeSat venting Conclusion References 23---Launch-vehicle-overview_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Launch vehicle overview Introduction Launch vehicle families Antares/Minotaur Dnepr PSLV Soyuz-2 Falcon 9 Atlas V Micro satellite launchers Launch vehicle selection: Alternative solutions Conclusions References 24---Launch-from-the-ISS_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Launch from the ISS History Mission overview [1] Advantage of launching from the ISS [1] More frequent launch opportunities Moderate launch environment Checkout after launch from Earth and before deployment from the ISS Launch history and lessons learned References Index_2021_Cubesat-Handbook Index