Enabling Responsive Space and Earth Observation Satellite Applications using Multifunctional MEMS Miniaturization
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.P.1.06
- Author
Dr. Fredrik Bruhn, Angstrom Aerospace Corporation (AAC), Sweden
- Coauthor
Mr. Petrus Hyvönen, Angstrom Aerospace Corporation (AAC), Sweden
- Coauthor
Dr. Gerd Hofschuster, OHB-System AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Bent Ziegler, OHB-System AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Thomas George, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Johan Leijtens, TNO TPD, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Prof. Lars Stenmark, Angstrom Aerospace Corporation (AAC), Sweden
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Long duration EO missions are seldom optimized to the specific requirements of any customer in terms of e.g. revisit time, coverage, and spectral and spatial resolution. When observation needs arise over a certain area dedicated satellites should ideally be launched into appropriate orbits to perform timely and accurate imaging over that area. Limitations in fast response launches however limit the possibilities for responsive space missions to a few countries in the world. Ångström Aerospace Corporation is studying the development of first generation high performance satellites suitable for air-launch-to-orbit using fighter jet aircraft launch platforms. This Earth Intelligence Surveillance (E.I.S.) satellite concept is based on the miniature satellite technology established by the ÅAC’s “Micro-Link 1” and the Ångström Space Technology Centre (ÅSTC) “NanoSpace-1” technology demonstrator nano-satellite programs. The E.I.S. satellite is to be rapidly deployable within a few hours and operational in space within 24 hours. The satellite wet mass is estimated around 30 kg at an orbit lifetime of 2-3 years. Preliminary studies show that the spacecraft is capable of acquiring images at 2 meters ground resolution and transmitting information over a sustained data link of 100 Mbps in Ka-band. The satellite will also be capable of formation flying and performing orbit adjustments. The satellite design enables its miniaturized systems to be compatible with batch manufacturing processes allowing for potentially cost-effective satellite constellations. The spacecraft is derived from the Micro-Link 1 development with many microsystem optimizations have been incorporated together with a carbon-fiber structure. All electronics, including receivers and transmitters are accommodated in 3-dimensional multi-chip-modules (3D-MCM). The modules form a part of the load carrying structure to save mass. High precision three axis attitude control is performed by an advanced MEMS enabled Cold/Hot Gas Micro Propulsion System. The power system is also MEMS based with Thin Film Solar Cells, advanced power conditioning modules and a unique power distribution system. The Ångström Aerospace Corporation (ÅAC) are in collaboration with CANEUS and TNO designing and developing advanced microsystems for spacecraft as well as complete nano- and micro satellites for defense and Earth observation applications. OHB-System provides a RUBIN testbed for space qualification of MEMS systems with the first launch of 3D-MCM scheduled for early 2007. OHB-System is also involved in the further definition of the E.I.S. concept. TNO have studied the optical telescope which enables visual (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) observation.
- Abstract document