Nanosatellites

Nanosatellites

by Rogerio Atem de Carvalho, Jaime Estela, Martin Langer
Released June 2020
Publisher(s): Wiley
ISBN: 9781119042037

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Book description

Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics

Rogerio Atem de Carvalho, Instituto Federal Fluminense, Brazil

Jaime Estela, Spectrum Aerospace Group, Germany and Peru

Martin Langer, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Covering the latest research on nanosatellites

Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics comprehensively presents the latest research on the fast-developing area of nanosatellites. Divided into three distinct sections, the book begins with a brief history of nanosatellites and introduces nanosatellites technologies and payloads, also explaining how these are deployed into space. The second section provides an overview of the ground segment and operations, and the third section focuses on the regulations, policies, economics, and future trends.

Key features:

  • Payloads for nanosatellites
  • Nanosatellites components design
  • Examines the cost of development of nanosatellites.
  • Covers the latest policies and regulations.
  • Considers future trends for nanosatellites.

Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics is a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners working with nanosatellites in the aerospace industry.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. List of Contributors
  3. Foreword: Nanosatellite Space Experiment
    1. CubeSat Engineering Design Standard
    2. Evolution History of the CubeSat Program
    3. Today: The CubeSat Concept
    4. The Future of the CubeSat Concept
  4. Introduction by the Editors
  5. 1 I-1: A Brief History of Nanosatellites
    1. 1.1 Introduction
    2. 1.2 Historical Nanosatellite Launch Rates
    3. 1.3 The First Nanosatellites
    4. 1.4 The Large Space Era
    5. 1.5 The New Space Era
    6. 1.6 Summary
    7. References
  6. 2 I-2a: On-board Computer and Data Handling
    1. 2.1 Introduction
    2. 2.2 History
    3. 2.3 Special Requirements for Space Applications
    4. 2.4 Hardware
    5. 2.5 Design
    6. References
  7. 3 I-2b: Operational Systems
    1. 3.1 Introduction
    2. 3.2 RTOS Overview
    3. 3.3 RTOS on On-board Computers (OBCs): Requirements for a Small Satellite
    4. 3.4 Example Projects
    5. 3.5 Conclusions
    6. References
  8. 4 I-2c: Attitude Control and Determination
    1. 4.1 Introduction
    2. 4.2 ADCS Fundamentals
    3. 4.3 ADCS Requirements and Stabilization Methods
    4. 4.4 ADCS Background Theory
    5. 4.5 Attitude and Angular Rate Determination
    6. 4.6 Attitude and Angular Rate Controllers
    7. 4.7 ADCS Sensor and Actuator Hardware
    8. References
  9. 5 I-2d: Propulsion Systems
    1. 5.1 Introduction
    2. 5.2 Propulsion Elements
    3. 5.3 Key Elements in the Development of Micropropulsion Systems
    4. 5.4 Propulsion System Technologies
    5. 5.5 Mission Elements
    6. 5.6 Survey of All Existing Systems
    7. 5.7 Future Prospect
    8. References
  10. 6 I-2e: Communications
    1. 6.1 Introduction
    2. 6.2 Regulatory Considerations
    3. 6.3 Satellite Link Characteristics
    4. 6.4 Channel Coding
    5. 6.5 Data Link Layer
    6. 6.6 Hardware
    7. 6.7 Testing
    8. References
  11. 7 I-2f: Structural Subsystem
    1. 7.1 Definition and Tasks
    2. 7.2 Existing State-of-the-Art Structures for CubeSats
    3. 7.3 Materials and Thermal Considerations for Structural Design
    4. 7.4 Design Parameters and Tools
    5. 7.5 Design Challenges
    6. 7.6 Future Prospects
    7. References
  12. 8 I-2g: Power Systems
    1. 8.1 Introduction
    2. 8.2 Power Source: Photovoltaic Solar Cells and Solar Array
    3. 8.3 Energy Storage: Lithium-ion Batteries
    4. 8.4 SA-battery Power Conditioning: DET and MPPT
    5. 8.5 Battery Charging Control Loops
    6. 8.6 Bus Power Conditioning and Distribution: Load Converters and Distribution Switches
    7. 8.7 Flight Switch Subsystem
    8. 8.8 DC/DC Converters
    9. 8.9 Power System Sizing: Power Budget, Solar Array, and Battery Selection
    10. 8.10 Conclusions
    11. References
  13. 9 I-2h: Thermal Design, Analysis, and Test
    1. 9.1 Introduction
    2. 9.2 Typical Thermal Loads
    3. 9.3 Active and Passive Designs
    4. 9.4 Design Approach and Tools
    5. 9.5 Thermal Tests
    6. References
  14. 10 I-2i: Systems Engineering and Quality Assessment
    1. 10.1 Introduction
    2. 10.2 Systems Engineering Definition and Process
    3. 10.3 Space Project Management: Role of Systems Engineers
    4. 10.4 ECSS and Other Standards
    5. 10.5 Document, Risk Control, and Resources
    6. 10.6 Changing Trends in SE and Quality Assessment for Nanosatellites
    7. References
  15. 11 I-2j: Integration and Testing
    1. 11.1 Introduction
    2. 11.2 Overall Tasks
    3. 11.3 Typical Flow
    4. 11.4 Test Philosophies
    5. 11.5 Typical System Integration Process
    6. 11.6 Typical Test Parameters and Facilities
    7. 11.7 Burden of Integration and Testing
    8. 11.8 Changing Trends in Nanosatellite Testing
    9. References
  16. 12 I-3a: Scientific Payloads
    1. 12.1 Introduction
    2. 12.2 Categorization
    3. 12.3 Imagers
    4. 12.4 X-ray Detectors
    5. 12.5 Spectrometers
    6. 12.6 Photometers
    7. 12.7 GNSS Receivers
    8. 12.8 Microbolometers
    9. 12.9 Radiometers
    10. 12.10 Radar Systems
    11. 12.11 Particle Detectors
    12. 12.12 Plasma Wave Analyzers
    13. 12.13 Biological Detectors
    14. 12.14 Solar Sails
    15. 12.15 Conclusions
    16. References
  17. 13 I-3b: In-orbit Technology Demonstration
    1. 13.1 Introduction
    2. 13.2 Activities of Space Agencies
    3. 13.3 Nanosatellites
    4. 13.4 Microsatellites
    5. 13.5 ISS
    6. References
  18. 14 I-3c: Nanosatellites as Educational Projects
    1. 14.1 Introduction
    2. 14.2 Satellites and Project-based Learning
    3. 14.3 University Satellite Programs
    4. 14.4 Outcome and Success Criteria
    5. 14.5 Teams and Organizational Structure
    6. 14.6 Challenges and Practical Experiences
    7. 14.7 From Pure Education to Powerful Research Tools
    8. References
  19. 15 I-3d: Formations of Small Satellites
    1. 15.1 Introduction
    2. 15.2 Constellations and Formations
    3. 15.3 Orbit Dynamics
    4. 15.4 Satellite Configurations
    5. 15.5 Relevant Specific Small Satellite Technologies to Enable Formations
    6. 15.6 Application Examples
    7. 15.7 Test Environment for Multisatellite Systems
    8. 15.8 Conclusions for Distributed Nanosatellite Systems
    9. Acknowledgments
    10. References
  20. 16 I-3e: Precise, Autonomous Formation Flight at Low Cost
    1. 16.1 Introduction
    2. 16.2 Mission Overview
    3. 16.3 System Overview
    4. 16.4 Launch and Early Operations
    5. 16.5 Formation Control Results
    6. 16.6 Conclusion
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. References
  21. 17 I-4a: Launch Vehicles—Challenges and Solutions
    1. 17.1 Introduction
    2. 17.2 Past Nanosatellite Launches
    3. 17.3 Launch Vehicles Commonly Used by Nanosatellites
    4. 17.4 Overview of a Typical Launch Campaign
    5. 17.5 Launch Demand
    6. 17.6 Future Launch Concepts
    7. References
  22. 18 I-4b: Deployment Systems
    1. 18.1 Introduction
    2. 18.2 Definition and Tasks
    3. 18.3 Basics of Deployment Systems
    4. 18.4 State of the Art
    5. 18.5 Future Prospects
    6. Acknowledgments
    7. References
  23. 19 I-4c: Mission Operations
    1. 19.1 Introduction
    2. 19.2 Organization of Mission Operations
    3. 19.3 Goals and Functions of Mission Operations
    4. 19.4 Input and Output of Mission Operations
    5. 19.5 MOP
    6. 19.6 Costs and Operations
    7. References
    8. Further Reading
  24. 20 I-5: Mission Examples
    1. 20.1. Introduction
    2. 20.2. Mission Types
    3. 20.3. Mission Examples
    4. 20.4. Constellations
    5. 20.5. Perspective
    6. References
  25. 21 II-1: Ground Segment
    1. 21.1 Introduction
    2. 21.2 Ground Segment Functionalities
    3. 21.3 Ground Segment Architecture
    4. 21.4 Ground Station Elements
    5. 21.5 Ground Segment Software
    6. 21.6 Ground Segment Operation
    7. 21.7 Future Prospects
    8. References
  26. 22 II-2: Ground Station Networks
    1. 22.1 Introduction
    2. 22.2 Technological Challenges
    3. 22.3 Visibility Clash Problems of Stations and Satellites
    4. 22.4 The Distributed Ground Station Network
    5. 22.5 Infrastructure
    6. 22.6 Planning and Scheduling
    7. 22.7 Generic Software Architecture
    8. 22.8 Example Networks
    9. 22.9 Traditional Ground Station Approach
    10. 22.10 Heterogeneous Ground Station Approach
    11. 22.11 Homogeneous Ground Station Approach
    12. 22.12 Conclusions
    13. References
  27. 23 II-3: Ground-based Satellite Tracking
    1. 23.1 Introduction
    2. 23.2 Orbital Element Sets
    3. 23.3 Tracklet Generation from Ground Measurements
    4. 23.4 Tracking CubeSats with Ground Stations
    5. 23.5 Orbit Propagation
    6. 23.6 Principle of Operations of Ground Stations
    7. 23.7 Summary
    8. References
    9. Notes
  28. 24 II-4a: AMSAT
    1. 24.1 Introduction
    2. 24.2 Project OSCAR
    3. 24.3 AMSAT Satellite Designations
    4. 24.4 Other Notable AMSAT and OSCAR Satellites
    5. 24.5 The Development of CubeSats
    6. 24.6 FUNcube Satellites
    7. 24.7 Fox Satellites
    8. 24.8 GOLF Satellites
    9. 24.9 The IARU and ITU Resolution 659
    10. References
    11. Notes
  29. 24 II-4b: New Radio Technologies
    1. 24.10 Introduction
    2. 24.11 SDR Space Segment
    3. 24.12 SDR Ground Segment
    4. 24.13 Modern Transmitter Design
    5. Reference
    6. Note
  30. 25 III-1a: Cost Breakdown for the Development of Nanosatellites
    1. 25.1 Introduction
    2. 25.2 Recurring Costs
    3. 25.3 Nonrecurring Costs
    4. 25.4 Satellite Cost-estimating Models
    5. 25.5 Risk Estimation and Reduction
    6. 25.6 Conclusions
    7. References
  31. 26 III-1b: Launch Costs
    1. 26.1 Introduction
    2. 26.2 Launching Nanosatellites
    3. 26.3 Launch Sites
    4. 26.4 Launch Milestones
    5. 26.5 Launch Cost
    6. References
  32. 27 III-2a: Policies and Regulations in Europe
    1. 27.1 Introduction
    2. 27.2 International Space Law
    3. 27.3 National Laws and Practices in EU Member States
    4. 27.4 Future Regulation and Prospects
    5. References
  33. 28 III-2b: Policies and Regulations in North America
    1. 28.1 Introduction
    2. 28.2 Governing Treaties and Laws
    3. 28.3 Orbital Debris Mitigation
    4. 28.4 Space Traffic Management
    5. 28.5 Licensing of Radio Transmission from Space
    6. 28.6 Licensing for Remote Sensing Activities from Space
    7. 28.7 Export Control Laws
    8. 28.8 Conclusion
    9. References
  34. 29 III-2c: International Organizations and International Cooperation
    1. 29.1 Introduction
    2. 29.2 The United Nations and Affiliated Organizations
    3. 29.3 International Telecommunications Union
    4. 29.4 Other United Nations Agencies and Bodies
    5. 29.5 Non-UN Organizations
    6. 29.6 Main Non-European Spacefaring Nations
    7. 29.7 Conclusions
    8. References
    9. Notes
  35. 30 III-3a: Economy of Small Satellites
    1. 30.1 Introduction
    2. 30.2 Rethinking the Value Chain
    3. 30.3 A Hybrid Small Satellite Value Chain
    4. 30.4 Evolution, Not Revolution?
    5. 30.5 The Economics at Play
    6. 30.6 Satellite Manufacturers
    7. 30.7 Launch Service Providers
    8. 30.8 Satellite Operators
    9. 30.9 Satellite Servicing Providers
    10. 30.10 Data and Solution Providers
    11. 30.11 A Shift Toward New Models
    12. References
    13. Further Reading
    14. Notes
  36. 31 III-3b: Economics and the Future
    1. 31.1 Introduction
    2. 31.2 Themes Shaping the Space Industry
    3. 31.3 Megatrends
    4. 31.4 Conclusion: The Space Industry Is in Mutation
    5. Further Reading
    6. Notes
  37. 32 III-3c: Networks of Nanosatellites
    1. 32.1 Introduction
    2. 32.2 Why Networks?
    3. 32.3 Opportunities for Networks of Nanosatellites
    4. 32.4 Challenges and Issues
    5. Reference
    6. Further Reading
    7. 32.A List of Existing and Upcoming Networks of Satellites–January 2018, Updated March 2019
    8. Notes
  38. Index
  39. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Nanosatellites
  • Author(s): Rogerio Atem de Carvalho, Jaime Estela, Martin Langer
  • Release date: June 2020
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9781119042037