The Modular German Microsatellite TET-1 for Technology On-Orbit Verification

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.7.3

Author

Dr. Clemens Kaiser, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Stefan Foeckersperger, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Klaus Lattner, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Silke Eckert, Astro- und Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Wolfgang Baerwald, Astro- und Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Swen Ritzmann, Astro- und Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Peter Muehlbauer, DLR GSOC, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Turk, DLR, German Space Agency, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Philip Willemsen, DLR, German Space Agency, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

Due to the high safety standards in the space industry every new product must go through a verification process before qualifying for operation in a space system. Within the verification process the payload undergoes a series of tests which prove that it is in accordance with mission requirements in terms of function, reliability and safety. Important verification components are the qualification for use on the ground as well as the On-Orbit Verification (OOV), i.e. proof that the product is suitable for use under virtual space conditions (on-orbit). Here it is demonstrated that the product functions under conditions which cannot or can only be partially simulated on the ground.

The OOV-Program of the DLR serves to bridge the gap between the product tested and qualified on the ground and the utilization of the product in space. To reach this goal, the DLR Space Agency offers regular and short-term flight opportunities to industry and research facilities to verify their latest products under space conditions and demonstrate their reliability and marketability.

The Technologie-Erprobungs-Träger TET (Technology Experiments Carrier) comprises the core elements of the OOV Program. A programmatic requirement of the OOV Program is that a satellite bus already verified in orbit be used in the first segment of the program. An analysis of suitable satellite buses showed that a realization of the TET satellite bus based on the BIRD satellite bus fulfilled the programmatic requirements best. 

Kayser-Threde was selected by DLR as Prime Contractor to perform Phase B together with its major subcontractors Astro- und Feinwerktechnik, Berlin for the platform development and DLR-GSOC for the ground segment development. TET is now designed to be a modular and flexible micro-satellite for any orbit between 450 and 850 km altitude and inclination between 53° and SSO. With an overall mass of 120 kg TET is able to accommodate experiments of up to 50 kg. A multipurpose payload supply system under Kayser-Threde responsibility provides the necessary interfaces to the experiments. The first TET mission is scheduled for the first half of 2010. TET will be launched as piggy-back payload on any available launcher worldwide to reduce launch cost and provide maximum flexibility. Finally, TET will provide all services required by the experimenters for a one year mission operation to perform a successful OOV-mission with its technology experiments leading to an efficient access to space for German industry and institutions.

The paper presents the current PDR status of the TET-1 mission focusing on the space segment (platform and payload supply system) and provides an outlook of the planned future activities and program steps with Phase C/D intended to start in spring 2008. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.7.3.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.7.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.