An overview of developments in Picosatellite launch adaptors and deployers

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.5.12

Author

Mr. Gerard Willem Lebbink, ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space BV, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Abe Bonnema, ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space B.V., The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Jeroen Rotteveel, ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space BV, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Eddie van Breukelen, ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space B.V., The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Wouter Jan Ubbels, ISIS - Innovative Solutions In Space BV, The Netherlands

Year

2008

Abstract

Picosatellites are the class of tiny spacecrafts weighing up to 1,0 kg. A CubeSat, a picosatellite that complies with a standard put forward by the California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University from 2000, measures 10x10x10 cm and falls within this mass limit. The standard allows for multiples of 2 and 3 cubes attached to each other as well, or 2Unit and 3Unit respectively.


Since 2000 over 76 CubeSats Projects have been initiated, of which 38 CubeSats will have been launched by summer 2008, with the remainder of the CubeSat Projects expected to be launched within the coming years. With only a few exceptions, all these projects need to outsource their CubeSat launch, often through a coordinated launch service. As a result, the need for COTS launch adaptors has also increased. 


This paper will provide an overview of the currently available picosatellite launch adaptors needed for launching and deploying these picosatellites in orbit. The paper will include an objective comparison of these adaptors, often called Picosatellite Orbital Deployers (PODs). Additionally, new developments, such as the ISIS Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, are presented. 


The challenges involved with developing reliable, non hazardous, low shock, ITAR-free, low-cost devices in order to offer easy access to space will be addressed, as will the future requirements and needs. Examples of such future needs are: Postponed deployment scenarios such as seen in the Vega Maiden flight CubeSat opportunity, and plans for Lunar Insertion of CubeSats. 


Since CubeSats and their launches are now an integral part of programmes for in orbit demonstration of new technologies, in addition to educational programmes, and are seen as small-scale observation platforms, an additional topic of discussion will be the availability of launch slots for CubeSats. In particular the growing demand for launches on shorter terms and subsequent suitability of launch vehicles for CubeSats to sustain these developments will be discussed.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.5.12.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.5.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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