Technical programme
IAC-08 — 59th International Astronautical Congress
B4. SMALL SATELLITE MISSIONS SYMPOSIUM
This Symposium organized by the International Academy of Astronautics addresses Small Satellite programmes for Science & Technology, encompassing space science, earth observation, and lunar exploration missions; and focusing on results achieved, as well as plans for new missions. The Symposium also addresses five areas across the entire spectrum of small satellite missions – design and technology, cross- platform compatibility, planning for and executing cost-effective operations, affordable and reliable space access, and implementing small satellite programmes in developing countries.
- Coordinator
Rhoda Shaller Hornstein
— United StatesRainer Sandau
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) — Germany
B4.1. 9th UN/IAA Workshop on Small Satellite Programmes at the Service of Developing Countries
This workshop is organized jointly by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN/OOSA) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). It shall review the needs that could be satisfied and results achieved by developing nations through using small satellites.
- Chairman
Sergei Chernikov
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs — AustriaSias Mostert
Space Commercial Services Holdings (Pty) Ltd — South Africa
- Rapporteur
Petr Lala
Czech Space Office — Czech RepublicPierre Molette
— France
B4.2. Small Space Science Missions
This session will address the current and near-term approved small missions whose objective is to achieve scientific returns in the fields of Earth science, solar, interplanetary, planetary, astronomy/astrophysics observations, and fundamental physics. Emphasis will be given on results achieved, new technologies such as formation flying, and novel management techniques.
- Chairman
Stamatios Krimigis
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United StatesDenis J.P. Moura
Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) — France
B4.3. Small Satellite Operations
This session covers the planning for, and execution of, cost-effective approaches for Small Satellite Operations, with emphasis on new missions with new models of operation. Papers addressing innovation, an entrepreneurial approach to new business opportunities, novel finance and business models, management techniques, and international cooperation in support of Small Satellite Operations are particularly encouraged. Papers that discuss the application of novel technology to mission operations, such as automation and autonomy, constraint resolution, and timeline planning, as well as reports on missions recently accomplished and lessons learned, are also welcomed.
- Chairman
Peter M. Allan
STFC — United KingdomKaren McBride
University of California, Los Angeles — United States
B4.4.A. Small Satellites Potential for Future Integrated Applications and Services - Part I
Small satellite missions in the different disciplines and with new partnership models including earth observations are enabling services that are now a familiar part of the commercial and government sector. Data from space missions are collected and distributed through space and ground-based systems. The goal of an integrated system is to provide the right information at the right place and at the right time in a cost-effective manner. Including a space-based element in an integrated application may enable that application or provide a unique and powerful enhancement to the services provided. This session seeks contributions that address new satellite missions, instruments, lessons learned, or plans for future small satellites, instruments, or missions. Contributions that address the need to go beyond the traditional mission oriented (or vertical) organization and provide a service that integrates information from ground and space-based sources (the horizontal or distributed domain) are particularly encouraged.
- Chairman
Amnon Ginati
European Space Agency (ESA) — The NetherlandsLarry Paxton
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United States
- Rapporteur
Klaus Briess
Technische Universität Berlin — Germany
B4.4.B. Small Satellites Potential for Future Integrated Applications and Services - Part II
Small satellite missions in the different disciplines and with new partnership models including earth observations are enabling services that are now a familiar part of the commercial and government sector. Data from space missions are collected and distributed through space and ground-based systems. The goal of an integrated system is to provide the right information at the right place and at the right time in a cost-effective manner. Including a space-based element in an integrated application may enable that application or provide a unique and powerful enhancement to the services provided. This session seeks contributions that address new satellite missions, instruments, lessons learned, or plans for future small satellites, instruments, or missions. Contributions that address the need to go beyond the traditional mission oriented (or vertical) organization and provide a service that integrates information from ground and space-based sources (the horizontal or distributed domain) are particularly encouraged.
- Chairman
Amnon Ginati
European Space Agency (ESA) — The NetherlandsLarry Paxton
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United States
- Rapporteur
Klaus Briess
Technische Universität Berlin — Germany
B4.5. Small Spacecraft Launch, Injection, and Orbit Transfer Systems
A key challenge facing the viability and growth of the small satellite community is affordable and reliable space access. This is achieved through small launchers, ride-shares, piggyback launches, and spacecraft propulsion technologies to reach final operational orbit. Topics of interest for this session include existing and conceptual launch platforms for small spacecraft; launcher and small spacecraft component and sub-system development that will enable efficient small spacecraft access to orbit and orbit change (e.g., propulsion systems, separation and dispenser systems, upper stages); and lessons learned from users on technical and programmatic approaches.
- Chairman
Alex da Silva Curiel
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United KingdomJeff Emdee
The Aerospace Corporation — United States
B4.6.A. Design and Technology for Small Satellites - Part I
This session covers the design and technology required and developed for small satellites and small satellite systems, including micro and nano-satellites. Real-life examples are particularly encouraged.
- Chairman
Philip Davies
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United KingdomRichard Holdaway
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory — United Kingdom
B4.6.B. Design and Technology for Small Satellites - Part II
This session covers the design and technology required and developed for small satellites and small satellite systems, including micro and nano-satellites. Real-life examples are particularly encouraged.
B4.7. Space Systems and Architectures Featuring Cross-Platform Compatibility
Ideas are solicited for Modular, Reconfigurable, Adaptable systems (spacecraft, ground systems and networks) that feature cross-platform compatibility. Applications are sought in Science, Exploration, Commerce, and other areas requiring fast system design, build, integration, test and flight. System-enabling plug-and-play interface definitions (mechanical, electrical, software and fluids) are particularly desirable.
- Chairman
Marco D'Errico
Seconda Universita' di Napoli — ItalyJaime Esper
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) — United States
- Rapporteur
Luisella Giulicchi
Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E) — The Netherlands
B4.8. Hitchhiking to the Moon
The next few decades involve a dramatically increased interest in lunar exploration for the purpose of developing a permanent human and robotic presence on the Moon, both for science and space exploration objectives. This renewed interest is broad and international, involving space agencies from the USA, Europe, China, India, Japan, Russia, Germany, England, and others. Recently, ISRO’s Chandrayaan spacecraft offered its platform as an opportunity to fly international instruments to the Moon; NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft provided an opportunity for a secondary payload to the Moon, in the form of the LCROSS lunar impactor mission. In the future, it is expected that there will be more opportunities for ride-sharing or secondary or tertiary payload opportunities to be flown to the Moon. This session provides a forum for the exchange of ideas for such small payloads to be demonstrated at the Moon, by ‘Hitch-hiking a ride’ to the Moon. Examples of such payloads or missions include: micro-spacecraft orbiters, CubeSats, small probes, penetrators, micro-landers, hard-landers, micro-rovers, secondary payload surface science instruments, distributed network landers, and many more. The focus of this session is on mission concepts, technology readiness and ride-sharing requirements.
- Chairman
Leon Alkalai
Mandala Space Ventures — United StatesJeng-Shing (Rock) Chern
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) — Canada