Small satellites current situation for access to space orbits
- Paper number
IAC-10.B4.5.7
- Author
Mr. Eduardo Escobar Burger, National Institute for Space Research - INPE, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Nelson Jorge Schuch, Southern Regional Space Research Center - CRS/CCR/INPE - MCT in collaboration with the Space Science Laboratory of Santa Maria - LACESM/CT - UFSM, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Otavio S.C. Durao, The Brazilian Institute for Space Research, Brazil
- Coauthor
Mr. Lucas Lopes Costa, National Institute for Space Research - INPE, Brazil
- Coauthor
Mr. Tardelli Ronan Coelho Stekel, National Institute for Space Research - INPE, Brazil
- Year
2010
- Abstract
Miniaturized satellites projects are increasing as educational important tools, showing that academic satellites are great opportunities for students to practice their knowledge learnt in class, providing high level professional experience during undergraduation. Another reason to miniaturize satellites is to reduce the project costs. Although launch prices have risen quite substantially across the board of launch providers, CubeSats still forms the most cost-effective independent means of getting a payload into orbit. Miniaturized satellites development activities are constantly increasing along with progress in areas such as: electronics, mechanical and thermal by searching new and advanced technologies. Therefore, CubeSats are ideal for achieving these aims. But the development of a CubeSat project does not end in its construction. One of the most challenging steps of space missions is the lack of launch opportunities. The ticket cost to launch in orbit a CubeSat often can be supported by any academic institution budgets, and usually is much less than any government or military entity would bear to expend. Wait for an opportunity to launch a CubeSat as a secondary or tertiary payload is very frustrating, because of the endless bureaucracy process. This work analyzes the current situation for CubeSats access to space orbits. It presents suggestions for cheaper alternatives to launch CubeSats, such as the NanoSatC-Br, the first Brazilian Cubesat.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10.B4.5.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.