Formation Flying of CubeSats within the QB50 Network

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Gill 18-Nov-2009

Outline
Space Systems Engineering
Characteristics Roadmaps Cubesats

QB50 Contributions
Potentials Options Scenarios

Project considerations Conclusion

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

Chair of Space Systems Engineering

Staff
9 scientific staff members 11 PhD students

Key projects
Delfi nanosatellite development line FAST Formation Flying Mission MISAT cluster lead

Major areas of expertise

Systems Engineering Nano- and micro-satellite engineering Distributed space systems Propulsion

Education
Strong contributor to BSc and MSc About 15 MSc candidates per year Program Director SpaceTech
Delft University of Technology Space Systems Engineering 3

Chair of SSE (contd)

Facilities
Class 100,000 clean room Satellite ground station Test and operations facilities

Orientation
Focus on multi-disciplinarity Coverage of entire mission cycle Emphasis on cooperation

Major cooperation partners

DIMES Dutch Space TNO

Spin-Offs
ISIS

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

Roadmaps at SSE
Nano-Sats
Delfi Formation Flying

Delfi-C3

Delfi-NEXT

Micro-Sats
FAST Formation Flying OLFAR

Miniaturized Systems
Satellite in a package

GPS on a Chip

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

Delfi-C3
Objectives
Education Technology demonstration Piggyback launch April 2008 Sun-Synchronous orbit at 635 km Distributed ground segment Thin film solar cells First wireless sun sensor in space 3-unit CubeSat structure UHF uplink, VHF downlink Maximum power of 2.4 W

Mission

Key Payload

Spacecraft

Full Mission Success

Delft University of Technology Space Systems Engineering 6

Delfi-NEXT
Payload Micro-propulsion system (TNO, TUD, UTwente) Multifunctional particle spectrometer (Cosine) Solar cell degradation (DIMES) High-efficient transceiver (ISIS) Latch-up protection of COTS memory (NLR) Objectives Three axis stabilized attitude, sun-oriented SPF-free battery system High speed downlink (>9.6 Kbps) Launch in Q1 of 2011 Apply lessons-learnt from Delfi-C3

T3PS
TNO, TUD, UT

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

QB50 Potentials
QB50 Mission
An International Network of 50 CubeSats in Low-Earth Orbits for Lower Thermosphere and Re-Entry Research Spatial spacecraft distribution is governed by separation conditions, natural dynamical perturbations and spacecraft characteristics!

TU Delfts Space Segment Contribution

Two CubeSats equipped with a propulsion system for enhanced QB50 mission return Adding more dimensions to the science case Realizing unprecedented technology opportunities

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

QB50 Options
TU Delft Space Segment Enhancement
TU Delft Contribution Propulsion Two spacecraft

Absolute Orbit Control

Relative Orbit Control

Drag compensation

Reentry control

Others

Formation Flying

Others

Differential drag compensation

Relative motion control

Others

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

QB50 Scenarios
Simulation of relative motion
Advanced dynamic modeling Differential separation conditions Along-track and radial mapping

Technology push

Scientific user needs

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

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Project Considerations
Science Case
Balance with engineering Relevance of ground segment Mission Architecture Importance of all elements concurrently Key is Systems Engineering Project Management Key to success Experience in nano-satellite projects European Context ESA EU

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

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Conclusions
TU Delft is a flagship worldwide in nano-satellite development. QB50 is an exciting mission for science, technology demonstration, and education. TU Delft is able to support the QB50 mission analysis and design, payload interface, ground segment and Systems Engineering. TU Delft proposes to contribute two CubeSats with a propulsion unit to enhance the QB50 mission return in science and technology.

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

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www.sse.lr.tudelft.nl

Delft University of Technology

Space Systems Engineering

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