Technical programme

B4.1. 25th 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 Africa, Middle-East, and Central Asia 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.

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.

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, including constellations of small satellites, 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.

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 ranges 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.

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 the 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.

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 electric propulsion systems for major orbit changes, fine orbit control and maintenance, and end-of-life disposal. This session 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 a focus on other propulsion systems and technologies, refer to other C4 sessions.

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).

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).

B4.7. Constellations and Distributed Systems

Small satellites offer important advantages in creating new opportunities for implementing spatially-distributed space-based systems (e.g. Constellations). In this session we focus on new, emerging, or enabling technologies that can be used or are being used to create networked data collection systems via small satellites. Specifically, Session B4.7 focuses on Constellations (e.g. Constellation missions for Earth Observation, IoT/M2M and LEO Communications), distributed architectures (e.g. Distributed SAR systems) and sensor systems and how these low-cost and rapidly delivered technologies offer the potential to fulfill complex user needs, working in coordination with other small or large space infrastructures (e.g. mega-constellations), as well as with airborne or terrestrial assets. Papers should show how cross-platform compatibility (both hardware and software aspects) can be used to enable these systems, any standards that are proposed or adopted, design techniques that enable this cross-platform compatibility, etc. We are particularly interested in 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), and planetary exploration. In this regard, the development and usage of Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies are also of specific interest to the session. Distributed systems and their impact in terms of new opportunities for the emerging Commercial Space Industry and new commercial space missions with small platforms is also of specific interest to the session. 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 needed 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, and formation flying.

B4.8. Small Spacecraft for Deep-Space Exploration

This session focuses on innovative small spacecraft designs, systems, missions and technologies for the exploration and commercialization of space beyond Earth orbit. Target destinations for these miniaturized space probes include the Earth's Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids, as well as other destinations that are targets for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). 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 including the use of commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies, miniaturized subsystems including propulsion, avionics, guidance navigation & control, power supply, communication, thermal management, and sensors and instruments. The main focus of this session is on new and emerging systems, missions, driving technologies and applications that are both government-funded as well as driven by commercial ventures.

B4.9-GTS.5. Small Satellite Missions Global Technical Session

The Small Satellite Missions Global Technical Session (GTS) is a 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.

B4.IP. Interactive Presentations - 31st IAA SYMPOSIUM ON SMALL SATELLITE MISSIONS

This session offers a unique opportunity to deliver your key messages in an interactive presentation on any of the subjects on small satellite missions addressed in the classic Sessions. The presentation will be displayed on a digital screen in a dedicated location and available for view by all Congress attendees for the entire Congress week. In addition, one afternoon is dedicated exclusively for the attendees to view the Interactive Presentations, and the author will be assigned a specific ten minute slot to personally present the topic and interact with the attendees present. The Interactive Presentation may take advantage of all electronic display capabilities, such as: PowerPoint charts, embedded hot links, pictures, audio and video clips etc. An award will also be presented to the author of the best Interactive Presentation in the B Category at a special ceremony. An Abstract that follows the standard format must be submitted by the deadline for standard IAC abstracts.

B4.IPB. Interactive Presentations - 31st IAA SYMPOSIUM ON SMALL SATELLITE MISSIONS

B4.LBA. Late Breaking abstracts (LBA)