Abstract
Recent developments in spacecraft design exploiting micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) with sensing, computing, full-duplex communications and micro-powcr generation has introduced the prospect of a new class of low-cost, low-mass Femto-scale (10~100g) spacecraft suitable for use in swarm and distributed missions. Current concepts for functional devices have been designed by exploiting existing technologies to develop femtosatellite prototypes. Distributed femtosatellites arc considered as a solution to reducing the cost of conventional Earth remote sensing and monitoring missions. In this paper, we introduced a new preliminary design of femtosatellites using commercial off-The-shelf (COTS) technology, which can provide an acceptable level of mission capability and environmental survivability. This new design features high area-To-mass ratio that enables the femtosatellites to take advantage of solar radiation pressure (SRP) for orbit control without onboard pro pell ant. Using the unique environment enabled by a dawn-dusk sun synchronous orbit, the femtosatellites would be under direct illumination during the entire orbit without eclipsing. Whats more, it could maximize electrical power generation for the payload and enabling orbit control using SRP. The performance of a femtosatellite swarm for bi-static radar application is analysed with example scenarios.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015, IAC 2015 |
Subtitle of host publication | Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future, IAC 2015 |
Place of Publication | Paris |
Pages | 4654-4662 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Volume | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015: Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future, IAC 2015 - Jerusalem, Israel Duration: 12 Oct 2015 → 16 Oct 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 66th International Astronautical Congress 2015: Space - The Gateway for Mankind's Future, IAC 2015 |
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Country | Israel |
City | Jerusalem |
Period | 12/10/15 → 16/10/15 |
Keywords
- distributed computer systems
- electromagnetic pumps
- environmental technology
- machine design