Design of Tokyo Tech Nano-Satellite Cute-1.7 + APD II and its Operation

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.6.A4

Author

Mr. Hiroki Ashida, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Saburo Matunaga, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Kota Fujihashi, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Shinichi Inagawa, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Yoshiyuki Miura, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Kuniyuki Omagari, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mrs. Yasumi Konda, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Naoki Miyashita, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

“Cute-1.7 + APD II” is a nano-satellite developed at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Laboratory for Space Systems (LSS), which have developed and launched 2 nano-satellites called CUTE-I and Cute-1.7 + APD, and Cute-1.7 + APD II is the third satellite in LSS. Our second CubeSat named “Cute-1.7 + APD” has a commercial PDA as its on-board computer, and many other COTS components are used in it to realize a low-cost and short-term development. It was launched in February 2006 and had worked well for more than 3 weeks. But we lost its signal in May 2006 and have been trying to recover it. It is estimated that Cute-1.7 + APD was damaged by radiation or high energy particles.
 
Cute-1.7 + APD II is a modified version of Cute-1.7 + APD, re-designed to complete all the missions which could not be finished in it. We have added several improvements and have conducted evaluation tests for the satellite in order to make the satellite completely work well in orbit. Cute-1.7 + APD II was enlarged from the former satellite because of increase of the electrical power. Its on-board transceiver circuit is also modified in response to the former satellites’ results. And we have conducted a radiation test, a vibration test, a vacuum test and a temperature test for the satellite to ensure its tolerability of space environments and Cute-1.7 + APD II had cleared all of the tests.
 
Cute-1.7 + APD II will be launched from India in 2008 spring together with 5 university satellites with PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)-C9, developed and operated by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). On orbit, Cute-1.7 + APD will conduct the following missions: attitude determination experiment, 3-axis attitude control experiment and demonstration of science observation sensor used an avalanche photo diode (APD) which detects and counts low-energy charged particles. Cute-1.7 + APD II has a magnetic sensor, 3 gyro sensors and 5 sun sensors for attitude determination, and has 3 magnetic torquers for attitude control. 4 algorithms (QUEST, REQUEST, Extended Karman Filter and Unscented Filter) for attitude determination and 3 algorithms (B-dot, Quaternion Feedback and Spin Stabilization) for 3-axis attitude control experiment will be conducted.
 
This paper will explain the design, ground tests and operation results will be introduced.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.6.A4.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.6.A4.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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