Integrated Research Platform for Affordable Satellites

Paper number

IAC-19,D1,3,5,x54007

Author

Ms. Tina Stäbler, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Mr. Markus Echsel, Germany, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Coauthor

Mr. Manfred Ehresmann, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Martin Fugmann, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Daniel Galla, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Ms. Nicole Gottschalk, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

Coauthor

Mr. Simon Huembert, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Lengowski, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Ms. Gloria Marigo, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Mr. Ilja Mueller, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Mrs. Isil Sakraker, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Mr. Jonathan Skalden, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Patrick Springer, Germany, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Coauthor

Dr. Torsten Stindl, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Prof. Stefanos Fasoulas, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Prof. Sabine Klinkner, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Prof. Heinz Voggenreiter, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Year

2019

Abstract

To persist in the future of space business low cost satellites which can be produced in high quantities in less time are mandatory. In the project “IRAS” (Integrated Research platform for Affordable Satellites), new technologies are investigated and developed to significantly lower the cost and production time for satellite components. To achieve this, additive manufacturing techniques using polymeric, metallic, and ceramic material are combined with multifunctional and bionic structures, resulting in lightweight, cost-efficient and integrated structures. New propulsion technologies are also considered within this project as well as the implementation of off-the-shelf components from other sectors such as automotive electronics.

Knowledge gained regarding new materials, research data, and test results are collected in a newly developed database using a novel digital Data Management System (DMS). This is presently undergoing integration into a Digital Concurrent Engineering Platform (DCEP) to enhance collaboration between project partners. Within IRAS, a 3-level-concept of digital cooperation has been developed with the uppermost level represented by the DCEP and the middle level being the digital DMS. The third level is then the physical level consisting of the aforementioned technological developments, hardware, and integration.

This paper presents the concept of a new collaboration platform bringing engineers together in a novel way without a need for physical proximity. This concept also details how new technologies can be combined to develop multifunctional structures. An example of this is the integration of cables directly into additively manufactured satellite structures. These new developments are integrated in a technology demonstrator satellite, SOURCE (Stuttgart Operated University CubeSat for Education and Evaluation), which passed the PDR in the beginning of 2019.

Abstract document

IAC-19,D1,3,5,x54007.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,D1,3,5,x54007.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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