Pico and Nano Satellite Technologies at the TU-Berlin
- Paper number
IAC-05-B5.6.B.03
- Author
Dr. Hakan Kayal, Technical University of Berlin, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Klaus Briess, Technical University of Berlin, Germany
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Since the launch of first Cubesats on June 30th, 2003 many universities and organizations began to develop similar pico satellites based on the so called Cubesat standard, which was developed by the California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University. This extreme small satellites with only 10x10x10 cm and a maximum mass of 1 kg have a potential to become an serious tool for various technological and scientific applications in space. Although the current status of the relevant technologies is at the beginning phase and the application rather simple, there is reason to assume that further development will increase the usability of pico satellites for serious applications. What needs to be done, is to concentrate on the key technologies, especially in the fields of attitude determination and control, communication and data processing, as well as propulsion for pico satellites. Once these key technologies have been established, applications taking one of the most significant advantages of pico satellites, namely the possibility of deploying swarms of pico satellites in orbit, will allow demanding applications. Pico satellites will complement existing systems by a variety of applications, which would be to costly for larger satellites systems. The work on pico satellite technologies at the Technical University of Berlin has started with different aspects such as micro reaction wheels and mission control center for satellite operation. Other technologies and missions for pico and nano satellites are planned. The paper will give an overview of current and future activities of the TU-Berlin in the field of pico and nano satellite technologies and missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B5.6.B.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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