Enabling Dedicated, Affordable Space Access Through Aggressive Technology Maturation (original) (raw)

TechnoSat - A Nanosatellite Mission for On-Orbit Technology Demonstration

2013

In the last 25 years, TU Berlin developed, built, launched and operated a number of university class satellites. Throughout these missions, emphasis was placed on developing technologies for Earth remote sensing, communication and attitude determination and control. The nanosatellite mission TechnoSat has the primary objective to provide on-orbit demonstration capability for novel nanosatellite technologies and components. The satellite carries five main payloads: A separation system for nanosatellites, a hatch mechanism designed for protection and on-orbit calibration of infrared cameras, a fluid dynamic actuator for energy efficient attitude control, an extendable boom system that is employed for gravity gradient stabilisation and STELLA, a miniaturised star tracker. The secondary mission objective of TechnoSat is the on-orbit verification of the novel adaptive nanosatellite bus TUBiX20 (TU Berlin innovative neXt generation 20 kg nanosatellite bus). TechnoSat is scheduled to be la...

Emerging Trends in Small Satellite Technology: Challenges and Opportunities

European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology, 2024

The rapid advancement of small satellite technology has sparked significant interest in recent years, revolutionizing space exploration and Earth observation capabilities. This abstract explores the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of small satellites. Key topics include the miniaturization of components, advances in propulsion and communication systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous operations. Challenges such as limited payload capacity and orbital debris management are also discussed. Opportunities lie in leveraging small satellites for cost-effective missions, rapid deployment, and global connectivity solutions. These abstract highlights the evolving landscape of small satellite technology and its potential impact on future space endeavors. Furthermore, the abstract discusses the growing role of small satellites in democratizing access to space, enabling academic institutions, commercial entities, and developing nations to participate in space missions. The emergence of dedicated launch services and standardized platforms has lowered barriers to entry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the space industry. This abstract concludes by examining prospects for small satellite constellations in fields such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and precision agriculture, underscoring their potential to address global challenges and drive sustainable development goals.