Development and qualification of the NANOSAT Programme at INTA
- Paper number
IAC-06-B5.6.01
- Author
Mr. Manuel Angulo, Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aerospacial (INTA), Spain
- Coauthor
Mrs. Maria del Rosario Canchal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aerospacial (INTA), Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Juan Maria Mi Cabezudo, Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aerospacial (INTA), Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Pedro Vicente, Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aerospacial (INTA), Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
This paper covers the innovative development and qualification aspects followed in the NANOSAT programme (mass from 10 to 20 Kg). The approach taken at INTA is a mix between classical STM, QM and FM model philosophy for each new generation, together with simplifications on the quality assurance activities, qualification level of the electronics components, and limited redundancy. The aim is to have very small but still capable satellites for technology demonstration and space research purposes, with a minimum lifetime of 3 to 5 years. The Nanosat programme started just before the Minisat-01 launch in April 1997. Its aim is to keep running “in house” at INTA an internal space programme with limited resources, but still to maintain the momentum of the space missions and keep the permanent training of junior engineers. While INTASAT and MINISAT initiatives were relying on the traditional Spanish space industry, in the NANOSAT programme they are almost out of the game. Most of the subsystems are developped at INTA, but we have also put the accent on the research and bilateral work with Spanish universities and other research institutions. We also try to offer specific tasks or elements to the small business Spanish industries, to encourage their entering into the space technology. Since the start of the programme we have launched the first Nanosat-01 in Dec 18 2004, but we are now manufacturing a sister S/C that will complement the scientific and communication mission goals. Nanosat-01B launch is planned by the middle of 2008, most probably on a Dnepr launcher from Baikonur. Nanosat-2 is the next step and is just an evolution of the initial concept with broadened capabilities, that improves the structure mass ratio, inner volume, allow classical Payload and Platform separated modules, and enlarge and optimise the external surface available to solar cells. The electronic design of the subsystems is very similar and takes advantage of the initial development effort spent in the first Nanosat generation. Only well demonstrated improvements will be incorporated. Full heritage and a well justified evolution is our aim.
- Abstract document