Technical programme
IAC-17 — 68th International Astronautical Congress
B4. 24th IAA SYMPOSIUM ON SMALL SATELLITE MISSIONS
« Small Satellite Missions » refers to the class of missions conducted using satellites weighing less than 1000 kg. For clarity, we further classify small satellites as microsats if they weigh less than 100 kg; nanosats or cubesats if they weigh less than 10 kg; and picosats if they weigh less than 1 kg. This Symposium, organised by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), addresses small satellite missions and projects in science, exploration, and technology for government, industry, and academic programmes. The Symposium scope encompasses space science (B4.2), earth observation (B4.4), and exploration (B4.8) missions, as well as the cross-cutting topics of small satellite programmes in developing countries (B4.1), cost-effective operations (B4.3), affordable and reliable space access (B4.5), and emerging and promising technologies (B4.6A and B4.6B). For IAC 2017, the Symposium will be continuing its reinvigorated Session B4.7 featuring Highly Integrated Distributed Systems in support of the delivery of global utilitarian services to end-users. New for IAC 2017 is the Joint Session between the IAA and the IAF for Small Satellite Propulsion Systems (B4.5A-C4.8). Also new for IAC 2017 is the collaboration between the IAA and IAF using the Global Technical Symposium to share information between the Young Professionals and the Small Satellite Missions Communities not just at the IAC venue, but also online at home/work/university locations (B4.9-GTS-5). Abstracts highlighting ingenuity or innovation are preferred. Where possible, abstracts should have a wide interest in the community and include transferable knowledge or lessons learned. This is in keeping with our commitment to meeting the needs of the small satellite community. This Symposium will be accepting submissions for oral presentations only.
- Coordinator
Rhoda Shaller Hornstein
— United StatesAlex da Silva Curiel
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United Kingdom
B4.1. 18th Workshop on Small Satellite Programmes at the Service of Developing Countries
This workshop is organized jointly by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). It shall review the needs that could be satisfied and results achieved by developing nations through using small satellites. National space plans and examples of application results and benefits shall be included. Small satellite programmes in the Asia-Pacific Region would be of particular interest to the session. The workshop shall also review the results of international cooperation, technology transfer, lessons learned and the extent to which these efforts have contributed to the space maturity of developing countries.
- Co-Chair
Sias Mostert
Space Commercial Services Holdings (Pty) Ltd — South AfricaWerner R. Balogh
European Space Agency (ESA) — France
- Rapporteur
Danielle Wood
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — United StatesPierre Molette
— FranceSergei Chernikov
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs — Austria
B4.2. Small Space Science Missions
This session will address the current and near-term approved small/micro/nano missions whose objective is to achieve returns in the fields of Earth science, solar, interplanetary, planetary, astronomy/astrophysics observations, and fundamental physics. Emphasis will be given to results achieved, new technologies and concepts, and novel management techniques.
- Co-Chair
Stamatios Krimigis
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United StatesLarry Paxton
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United States
B4.3. Small Satellite Operations
This session covers the planning for, and execution of, cost-effective approaches for Small Satellite Operations, with emphasis on new missions with new models of operation to reduce mission lifecycle costs and to minimize the cost impact of mission extensions. Papers addressing innovation, an entrepreneurial approach to new business opportunities, novel finance and business models, management techniques, and international cooperation in support of Small Satellite Operations are particularly encouraged. Papers that discuss the application of novel technology to mission operations, such as automation and autonomy, constraint resolution, and timeline planning, as well as reports on missions recently accomplished and lessons learned, are also welcome. For papers not addressing small satellites, please refer to Symposium B6.
- Co-Chair
Andreas Hornig
AerospaceResearch.net — GermanyHelen Walker
STFC — United Kingdom
- Rapporteur
Norbert Lemke
OHB System AG — Germany
B4.4. Small Earth Observation Missions
We call for papers that will present information to decision makers, scientists, engineers, and managers about cost-effective small satellite missions, instruments, technologies, and designs of both current and planned Earth- and near-Earth missions. This session addresses the technologies, applications and missions achieved through the use of small, cost-effective satellites to observe the Earth and near-Earth space. Innovative cost-effective solutions to the needs of the science and applications communities are sought. Satellite technologies suited for use on small satellites including those in the single to multiple cubesat range are particularly encouraged. Satellite or technology development efforts that make use of innovative launch opportunities, such as the developing space tourism market and commercial launch capability, hold significant promise for low-cost access to space make Earth observation missions attainable to non-governmental organizations as well as traditional users: papers addressing these evolving opportunities would be welcomed.
- Co-Chair
Larry Paxton
The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory — United StatesCarsten Tobehn
European Space Agency (ESA) — The Netherlands
B4.5. Access to Space for Small Satellite Missions
A key challenge facing the viability and growth of the small satellite community is affordable and reliable space access. Topics of interest for this session include utilization of dedicated launches; development of ride-share systems, auxiliary payload systems, and separation and dispenser systems; and responsive integration approaches that will enable efficient small satellite access to space. Includes lessons learned from users on technical and programmatic approaches. For a dedicated discussion of small satellite propulsion systems, please refer to session B4.5A-C4.8. For a discussion of small launchers concepts and operations, please refer to session D2.7.
- Co-Chair
Alex da Silva Curiel
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United KingdomPhilip Davies
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United Kingdom
- Rapporteur
Jeff Emdee
The Aerospace Corporation — United States
B4.5A-C4.8. Joint Session between IAA and IAF for Small Satellite Propulsion Systems
This session will pay particular attention to propulsion systems and associated technologies as an enabler to efficient small satellite access to space and orbit change. Papers are invited discussing the particular challenges of design, manufacture, testing, operations and technological developments of small satellite propulsion systems, and the challenges of obtaining high performance within a small volume and mass. The scope includes chemical and electrical propulsion systems for major orbit changes, fine orbit control and maintenance, and end-of-life disposal. This sessions will be accepting submissions for oral presentations only. For papers with an emphasis on the small satellite and its system design, refer to other B4 sessions. For focus on other propulsion system and technologies, refer to other C4 sessions.
- Co-Chair
Jeff Emdee
The Aerospace Corporation — United StatesArnau Pons Lorente
Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) — United States
B4.6A. Generic Technologies for Small/Micro Platforms
This session covers emerging and promising generic technologies for small and micro platforms. Real-life examples are particularly encouraged, both recently launched and shortly to be launched (next 3 years).
- Co-Chair
Philip Davies
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United KingdomJian Guo
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) — The Netherlands
B4.6B. Generic Technologies for Nano/Pico Platforms
This session covers emerging and promising generic technologies for nano and pico platforms. Real-life examples are particularly encouraged, both recently launched and shortly to be launched (next 3 years).
- Co-Chair
Zeger de Groot
Innovative Solutions in Space BV — The NetherlandsJoost Elstak
ICEYE — The Netherlands
- Rapporteur
Andy Vick
RAL Space — United Kingdom
B4.7. Highly Integrated Distributed Systems
Small satellites offer important advantages for creating new opportunities for integrated sensor systems. In this session we focus on the new, emerging, enabling technologies that can be used or are being used to create networked data collection systems via small satellites. Session B4.7 focuses on distributed architectures and sensor systems and how this low cost and rapidly delivered technology offers the potential to fulfill complex user needs, working in coordination with other small or large space infrastructures as well as with airborne or terrestrial assets. This hardware system implementation is a key issue and crucial for the success of these systems, featuring for instance, cross-platform compatibility to achieve mission objectives. Papers to be solicited should show how cross-platform compatibility is carried out, the standards that are proposed or adopted, design techniques and standards that enable this cross-platform compatibility, etc. We are particularly interested in the technologies that enable small spacecraft to play an important role in upcoming applications, such as (but not limited to) civil security, telecommunications in remote areas, navigation support (e.g., along the new foreseen routes in the Arctic), natural disaster management (e.g., damage assessment and first responders support). The integrated applications of these sensor systems are covered in Symposium Session B5.2, and the broader view of tools and technologies to enable integrated applications are covered in B5.1. In B4.7 authors are also invited to analyze technological enhancements and new developments to guarantee small satellite integration with existing and scheduled assets from both the bus and payload perspectives. Also analysis of inter-operability within integrated systems can be addressed, like payload data management, spacecraft operation.
- Co-Chair
Rainer Sandau
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) — GermanyMichele Grassi
University of Naples "Federico II" — Italy
- Rapporteur
Jaime Esper
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) — United StatesMarco D'Errico
Seconda Universita' di Napoli — Italy
B4.8. Small Spacecraft for Deep-Space Exploration
This session focuses on innovative small spacecraft designs, systems, missions and technologies for the exploration of space beyond Earth orbit. Target destinations for these miniaturized space probes include the Earth's Moon, Mars, small bodies and other deep-space destinations, as well as near Earth vicinity for necessary development and technology demonstration missions. Small exploration probes covered by this session may come in many different forms, including special-purpose miniature spacecraft, standard format small platforms such as cubesats, or other microsats, nanosats, picosats, etc. Topics include new and emerging technologies in miniaturized subsystems including propulsion, avionics, guidance navigation & control, power supply, communication, thermal management, and sensors and instruments. Main aspect on this session is on new and emerging systems and mission applications for deep-space exploration using small spacecraft.
- Co-Chair
Leon Alkalai
Mandala Space Ventures — United StatesRene Laufer
Luleå University of Technology — Sweden
B4.9-GTS.5. Small Satellite Missions Global Technical Session
The Small Satellite Missions Global Technical Session (GTS) is collaboration between the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Small Satellite Missions Symposium and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Workforce Development/Young Professionals Programme Committee. This session is unique in that it allows for sharing of information on a global scale with presenters and audience both at the IAC venue and online at their home/work/university locations. Abstracts are solicited regarding operational missions or mature proposals for small satellite systems and related topics. These must have clear relevance on an international scale or at a business level, and must also provide young professionals a taste of what the space sector has to offer. Where possible, abstracts should have a wide interest in the community and should include transferable knowledge or lessons learned. Abstracts highlighting ingenuity or innovation are preferred. Examples include space missions utilizing small satellites that address specific new societal, scientific or commercial challenges, or novel technologies that have the potential to revolutionize space missions and/or enable their access to space. Papers are to describe the specific need, the small satellite approach that addresses this need, the benefits of this approach and the use of space technology, and demonstrate that other non-space approaches provide inferior solutions. Papers from, or directed at the young professional community are preferred. This session will be accepting submissions for oral presentations only.
- Co-Chair
Rhoda Shaller Hornstein
— United StatesAlex da Silva Curiel
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United Kingdom
B4.10-A6.10. Joint Small Satellite/Space Debris Session to promote the long-term sustainability of space
This session facilitates bilateral discussions between Small Satellite and Space Debris communities for shared understanding of the challenges/issues and to promote practical small satellite solutions for the long-term sustainability of space. It will include topics such as: - Orbital debris mitigation solutions for small satellites and mega constellations - Small satellite orbital debris mitigation lessons learned, best practices and expected norms of behavior (including minimization of post-mission orbit lifetime, trackability) - Orbital debris mitigation compliance statistics and monitoring methods (for both small and large satellites) - Stakeholder education (bilateral) - Collision and warning risk assessment techniques and resulting estimates - Mitigation of risks to other operational spacecraft (ISS, etc.) - Small satellite propulsive requirements, methods and technology - Small satellite orbit regulation concepts - Small satellite deorbit technologies and lessons learned - Small satellite mission assurance, reliability and lessons learned - Small satellite deployment best practices and lessons learned - Tracking organization and small satellite operator interplay - Orbit, maneuver, and scenario data exchange
- Co-Chair
Rene Laufer
Luleå University of Technology — SwedenAlex da Silva Curiel
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) — United KingdomDan Oltrogge
COMSPOC Corp. — United States
- Rapporteur
Christian Cazaux
Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) — France