A space standards proposal for university-class Microsatellites
- Paper number
IAC-08.D1.5.7
- Author
Prof. Filippo Graziani, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Fabrizio Piergentili, University of Bologna, Italy
- Coauthor
Prof. Fabio Santoni, Italy
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The Group of Astrodynamics of University of Rome “La Sapienza” (GAUSS) established at Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale the research and education program UNISAT, in which PhD and graduate students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on small space missions. Four university satellites (UNISAT, UNISAT-2, UNISAT-3, UNISAT-4), weighting about 10 kg, have been designed, manufactured, tested and launched every two years since 2000 in the framework of this program. The satellite UNISAT-3, launched on June 29th 2004 is still operative after almost four years from the launch and the data are received from the University of Rome Ground Station on a regularly basis. Unfortunately, the satellite UNISAT-4 did not reach the orbital phase, because of the failure of the launch vehicle in 2006. According to the definition of University-class spacecraft, the UNISAT satellites were manufactured exploiting terrestrial commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, which represent a tradeoff between cost and performance. In the university satellites programs, usually subjected to strong economic budget restrictions, the expensive space-rated state-of-the-art hardware is not generally used. It could lead to severe limitations in respecting international spacecraft manufacturing standard released by international organizations such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) or by space agencies such as NASA. However the experience achieved trough UNISAT program shows that generally the international standard are not applicable to the university-class microsatellites manufacturing. Infact, the expected short life time, the manufacturing time schedule which must be within two years of regular university courses duration, the use of COTS components which are not always easily available imply that the manufacturing of the satellite could not follow previously fixed rigid design, but it must be realized by the trials and errors techniques and the continuous improvements. The flexibility in the design well fits also with the educational aims because it stimulates students and young engineers to deal with new solutions and to test innovative ideas. This is the main difference between industrial and education programs: the primary goal of industries is the spacecraft or the system functions, whereas the goal of education is the young engineer experience. There is the “freedom to fail”, if innovative and non standardized solutions are pursued. Of course there are standards that must always be satisfied when damages to third parties or interference to other satellite operations are possible. These constraints are ensured by the launcher companies which imposes their rules, e.g., over satellite geometry, inertial characteristics, launch vibration and static loads withstanding and EMI compatibility. These constraints constitute the real standard rules to be followed by university-class satellites. The paper deals with a new concept in the university-class satellite standardization oriented mostly in indicating some specific issues to avoid instead of a complex series of rules to apply, which might overwhelm the students enthusiasm. These indications are given on the basis of UNISAT program, reporting successful projects achievements and lessons learned through unsuccessful experiences.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D1.5.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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