Findings and Experiences during the development of the modular microsatellite concept 'PETSAT'
- Paper number
IAC-08.B4.7.5
- Author
Ms. Chisato Kobayashi, Spacevoke Ltd., Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Hironori Sahara, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Yoshiki Sugawara, Aoyamagakuin University, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Takanori Okada, Astro-Technology SOHLA, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Stephen Greenland, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Year
2008
- Abstract
This paper presents a summary of the result from work performed over four years to study the Panel ExTension SATellite (PETSAT) concept. The PETSAT concept is for a modular microsatellite consisting of any number of extending functional panels. These panels are designed around an open architecture and connected through standardized interfaces using a reliable "plug-in" format. The study aimed to answer the question of how to best promote an open, flexible and distributed architecture through the specification of a standard for the interfaces between the panels, and the division of functionality into discrete modular units. As part of the project, a PETSAT technology demonstrator spececraft, SOHLA-2, was also developed, which contributed a great deal to the understanding of factors to be considered for such a modular architecture, and provided practical experience in implementating the concept. The results presented here summarise the challenges involved in developing a modular architecture, and suggest possible solutions as implemented in the current iteration of PETSAT. Finally, the work considers improvements which can be made to the PETSAT concept in order that the goal to develop a highly functional, yet flexible, modular architecture may be fully realized in the future.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B4.7.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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