NOWsat.1: No-Wires Satellite, Mission and Platform
- Paper number
IAC-07-B4.6.10
- Author
Mr. Alejandro Salado Diez, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Spain
- Year
2007
- Abstract
NOWsat stands from No-Wires Satellite, and its fundamental aim is to provide a flexible system that can accommodate a wide range of small payloads to test emerging wireless communications in space, based on the Cubesat platform. It introduces a new concept of low-cost on-board computers based on bluetooth technology and radiation shelf-protection. In addition, NOWsat.1 will be intended as an open platform to promote the use of new technologies of emerging interest and the development of innovative experiments for the scientific and academic community. The application of Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) ground technologies in space systems is becoming a growing trend in the extent in that the complexity of the missions increases and the requirement for computational power and sophistication of on-board instrumentation have to fulfill the necessary requirements for the future. In this scenario, the application of wireless communication links for on-board communication is an idea that is being considered since the first became a commercial reality. The concept resides in the application of the inherent advantages of wireless communication systems, like those conforming a payload: 1. Harness mass and volume reduction. 2. Simpler integration. The constraints introduced in design for foreseen assembly difficulties are dramatically reduced. 3. More effective volume for payload distribution. 4. Systems become more flexible. Later insertion or removal of payload elements more feasible. 5. Systems become more scalable. The adoption of a standard for on-board systems implies compatibility among elements, making easier the integration of payload instruments from different manufacturers, the concurrent development of several elements and the planning of future designs. Finally, in order to take advantage of the non-Commercial character of CubeSat program, the mission will generate invitations to the community with the goal of propose scientific projects and experiments of interest to be introduced in NOWsat.1 as payload modules. This will give an opportunity to some research groups that can not afford a complete mission themselves, but have innovative and challenging ideas to be studied in a real space environment.
- Abstract document