Evolution from Education to Practical Use in University of Tokyo’s Nano-satellite Activities
- Paper number
IAC-08.B4.4.B5
- Author
Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Nobutada Sako, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Hironori Sahara, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Yuya Nakamura, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Takashi Eishima, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Mitsuhito Komatsu, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Year
2008
- Abstract
University of Tokyo has been developing nano-satellites since 1999, when we started CanSat pico-satellite model development and annual sub-orbital flight experiments in Nevada desert, USA. Based on the experiences and technologies obtained in CanSat program, two CubeSat, “XI-IV” and “XI-V” were developed and launched in 2003 and 2005 respectively using Russian rockets. The primary objective of these two CubeSats is education; it provides students with practical hands-on training on space projects covering from mission conceptualization to actual launch and operation within two or three years. These two satellites have been still working in space in good condition over 4.6 years (for XI-IV) and 2.3 years (for XI-V), and during the daily operations of these satellites, we could also accumulate enough technologies concerning amateur frequency satellite operations. In addition, we have been developing international Ground Station Network, in which many universities’ ground stations are connected by internet to enable remote satellite operation and data transfer, which enlarge the satellite operation chances tremendously. We can say that the educational objective has been fully achieved. We have started the next step; “practical use of nano-satellites”. We are now developing our third satellite named “PRISM,” 8 kg satellite with remote sensing mission. In this satellite, by developing extensible boom with lens at it end, the optical system is expected to obtain 30 m resolution ground images. The auto-focusing function is also installed to compensate for the deformation of the boom due to load during the launch and thermal effects. EM has been already completed and FM will be completed by mid-2008 in order to be ready for the launch using H-IIA launcher of JAXA, Japan in late 2008. Our fourth satellite “Nano-JASMINE,” 14kg satellite, is also under development in collaboration with National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, with a mission of generating a precise three dimensional map of starts using infra-red CCD sensor in TDI mode. The attitude stability requirement coming from scientific observation is very severe such as 1 arcsec for 10 seconds, which has been achieved by using special FOGs and the mission telescopes as attitude sensors. Nano-JASMINE is now at BBM phases and planned to be launched in 2010. We have also been developing “PETSAT,” a novel satellite consisting of modular, plug-in panels. In these projects, we have been challenging the question of how we can realize practical missions out of less than 20 kg nano-satellites. We expect that these three satellites will demonstrate that the practical missions should be possible by blending good missions and new and well-considered technologies.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B4.4.B5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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