MISAT: Designing a Series of Powerful Small Satellites based upon Micro Systems Technology
- Paper number
IAC-07-B4.6.05
- Author
Prof. Eberhard Gill, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Rob Hamann, Technical University of Delft (TUDelft), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Chris Verhoeven, Technical University of Delft (TUDelft), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Bert Monna, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Prof. Jacquelien Scherpen, The Netherlands
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The rapid advance of microelectronics and Micro Systems Technology (MST) enables an increased functional performance of small satellites with decreased demands on mass, size and power. MISAT is a research and development cluster which will create a small satellite platform based on MST aiming at innovative space as well as terrestrial applications. MISAT is part of the Dutch MicroNed program which has established a Microsystems infrastructure to fully exploit the MST knowledge chain involving public and industrial partners alike. As a result of MISAT, a first nano-satellite will be launched in 2007 to demonstrate the next generation of Sun sensors, power subsystems and satellite architecture technology.
Satellite Bus: Mass reduction by miniaturization of devices is limited by connectors, cabling, packaging and power demand. Thus, novel technologies of wireless sensor and actuator networks are developed which not only reduce the spacecraft mass but also contribute to an improved spacecraft integration based on their plug-and play characteristics. The potential of this approach is demonstrated by way of example of an autonomous wireless Sun sensor which was developed within MISAT. An additional focus is on the re-configurable radio front end which realizes minimum power consumption while optimizing a matching to channel conditions. Finally, smart power systems are developed which employ a novel technology of thin film solar cells to realize power and mass savings with flexible power regulators and electronics.
Payload: Here, one focus is on a micro-machined electrostatic accelerometer and gradiometer system for scientific research in fundamental physics as well as geophysics. Gradiometers are especially sensitive for local gravity anomalies represented in the high degree harmonic coefficients of the Earth’s gravity field. A hybrid MST-based accelerometer and gradiometer with a capacitive readout is developed which opens up new scientific applications for nano- and micro-satellites. Using a thick wafer, an unprecedented sensitivity has been achieved with a sensor mass of less than 50 gr.
In-Orbit Demonstration: The first satellite to demonstrate technologies in space developed within MISAT is the Delfi-C3 nano-satellite of the Delft University of Technology to be launched in 2007 by an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This flight demonstrates the ability to offer a rapid access to in-orbit technology demonstration and verification. This satellite is the first in a series of small satellites, including a formation flying mission, which will increasingly rely of MISAT technology to improve functionality and reduce size, mass and power for advanced technology demonstration and novel scientific applications.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-B4.6.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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