Digital Commons Network^™

Debris Measurement Analyzer (Dma): Simulating The Detection Of Resident Space Objects Using Space-Based Optical Sensors, Bartlomiej Koszek

Small Satellite Conference

Debris Measurement Analyzer (DMA) is a simulation environment developed to generate data about in-space surveillance using an optical payload. A novel simulation paradigm is presented which combines physical simulation with statistical data about the resident space object (RSO) environment, resulting in superior accuracy and shorter simulation runtime. DMA implements a finite volume sampling technique that enables the simulation to not only account for the dependence of RSO spatial density on altitude, but also on longitude, latitude, and sensor orientation. The results produced by this tool are aggregated into insights that enable data-driven decision-making whether the detection of RSOs is a …

Hab–02: Returning To Space On A Budget, C. Morley-Wong, R. Howie, M. Berry

Small Satellite Conference

The Binar Space Program uses High-Altitude Balloons, or HABs, as an affordable platform for hardware testing in near-space conditions. A latex sounding balloon takes a payload up to ~30 km (100,000 ft). Once popped, the payload drifts to Earth via parachute. HAB–02 is Binar's second HAB launch.

What Is Kulr One Space?, Matthew Reggio, Rahul Danda, Maddy Lipschitz, Peter Hughes

Small Satellite Conference

Our battery line architecture prioritizes safety and performance, making it ideal for CubeSat and SmallSat applications. It features a fibercore flame arrestor to prevent flame escape and dissipate heat, sidewall rupture protection to contain thermal events, and advanced clad material tabs for higher current capacities and better performance. Ablative shielding contains blasts from compromised cells, and our thermal management strategy ensures optimal performance in extreme conditions. These features set a new standard in reliability and efficiency for aerospace applications.

Concept Design Of 50-Kg Class Satellite 'Inspire': On-Orbit Demonstration Of Orbit Control And Formation Flight By Atmospheric Drag Using Variable Shape Function, Yuki Amaki, Kei Watanabe, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yoichi Yatsu, Toshihiro Chujo, Hiroki Nakanishi, Jun Kataoka, Kazuo Tanaka

Small Satellite Conference

Tokyo Institute of Technology and Waseda University are developing a 50-kg class satellite, tentatively named INSPIRE and now officially named GRAPHIUM. The scientific mission of this satellite is to observe gamma rays from the galactic plane, solar flares, lightning, and auroras using the Compton Camera. On the other hand, the satellite aims to accomplish advanced engineering missions. It is to demonstrate orbit control and formation flight by atmospheric drag force using the variable shape function.

International Space Station Satellite Deployment: Jettison Policy And Best Practices For Satellite Payload Developers, Carson Hula

Small Satellite Conference

The ISS Jettison Policy intends to quantify and control the risks of deploying and operating small satellites, not only to ensure the safety of the humans flying in space, but also to preserve the orbital environment for world space activities and enable the significant benefits brought by such utilization.

Successes And Challenges Of Leveraging A Mature Automated Production Workflow To Develop A Higher Complexity Satellite, Nathalie Vilchis, Sean Borgsteede, Marco Garcia, Kevin Saul

Small Satellite Conference

Planet is a satellite imagery company taking pictures of the Earth everyday. To achieve this unique mission we have built and launch an average of 50 cubesats every year for over 10 years.

Optimal Design Methodology Emphasizing Surface Equipment Placement Applied To 6u Cubesats, Kosuke Ogino, Kazuki Toma, Takahiro Takano, Akihiro Ishikawa, Ryu Funase, Shinichi Nakasuka

Small Satellite Conference

In recent years, the number of launches of nano-satellites, which have the advantage of being developed in a short period of time, has increased rapidly. However, several issues need to be addressed to maximize the benefits of nano-satellites. One of them is that theoretical methods have not been widely applied to the placement of equipment on satellites. Therefore, this paper proposes an "Optimal Design Methodology Emphasizing Surface Equipment Placement Applied to 6U CubeSats". It details the design and development of two 6U CubeSats using this method, along with the results and lessons learned.

Vision-Based Detection Of Uncooperative Targets And Components On Small Satellites, Hannah Grauer, Elena-Sorina Lupu, Connor Lee, Soon-Jo Chung, Darren Rowen, Benjamen Bycroft, Phaedrus Leeds, John Brader

Small Satellite Conference

Space debris and inactive satellites pose a threat to the safety and integrity of operational spacecraft and motivate the need for space situational awareness techniques. These uncooperative targets create a challenging tracking and detection problem due to a lack of prior knowledge of their features, trajectories, or even existence. Recent advancements in computer vision models can be used to improve upon existing methods for tracking such uncooperative targets to make them more robust and reliable to the wide-ranging nature of the target. This paper introduces an autonomous detection model designed to identify and monitor these objects using learning and computer …

A Low Size, Weight And Power Cryogenically Cooled Mid-Wave Infrared Image Sensor For Small-Satellite Payloads, Atul Joshi, Bob Nishi

Small Satellite Conference

There is an established need for a readily available, low-cost, and high performance cryogenically cooled IR imaging sensors to support earth observing missions. The New Space economy is fast developing and requires rapid development of low-cost commercial space payloads. However, there is a dearth of space qualified commercially available high-performance sensors. This presentation shows a novel family of cryo cooled IR sensors used in high-end earth observing payload.

Jaxa's Solar System Exploration Program With Small Satellites: From Procyon And Equuleus To Outer Solar System Exploration, Ryu Funase, Shintaro Nakajima, Naoya Ozaki, Hajime Yano

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

The Development Of Tracking Fiducials For Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Calvin Murphy, Sam Laurila, Nicole Mitchell

Small Satellite Conference

This poster highlights a technique Astroscale U.S. is investigating to assess a fiducial design prior to it taking physical form. Rendezvous fiducials have been implemented and used for decades to provide tracking and pose estimation, but only for select missions. With satellite servicing for life extension and deorbiting defunct satellites viable options for satellite operators, several companies have begun adding tracking fiducials and docking plates to satellites. This growing market makes optimizing fiducial design a higher priority recently.

Biosentinel: Leading The Way For Deep Space Cubesat Missions, Jeff Homan, Matthew Napoli, Cheryle Kong, Jesse Fusco, Robert Nakamura

Small Satellite Conference

BioSentinel, a 6U spacecraft launched on Artemis-I in November 2022, is one of the longest operating CubeSats beyond cislunar space. The successful subsystem design with COTS components has become a template for future deep space missions, and the lessons learned from over a year and a half of operations enable their improved performance.

Loft Orbital's Approach To Rapid System Verification And Test, Paul Faugeras, Matthew Hanley, Danielle Liut

Small Satellite Conference

Loft Orbital's vision is to provide the fastest, simplest, and most reliable access to space for small satellite-class missions. Loft achieves this vision with a turnkey solution that implements the hardware and software solutions required to get a mission to orbit in months, not years. A key contributor to the success of Loft's vision is integrated systems testing in the hardware in the loop (HIL) environment.

Traditionally, HIL systems are designed and operated with one mission in mind. This means that for each new mission in which the architecture changes, a new HIL system needs to be created or an …

Launch Hardened Cup-Cone Docking Mechanism For Small-Sats, Brian Schweinhart, Ziv Arzt, Robert Minelli, Alex Moerlein, Sean Torrez, Sean Lewis

Small Satellite Conference

A dual-use docking mechanism that can provide soft dynamic coupling in space and a rigid connection for launch would provide significant benefit to launch cost and weight savings. PSI has developed the Toothed Cup-cone Launch-hardened Androgynous Docking (T-CLAD) mechanism as a solution. The T-CLAD mechanism in an androgynous docking mechanism capable of withstanding launch loads while simultaneously providing self-alignment docking capabilities for on-orbit servicing and refueling. The mechanism is nominally designed for half-ESPA-class satellites but can be sized up and down to different class satellites while keeping full capabilities. The system incorporates an alternating, toothed cup-cone interface and SepNuts to …

Pandora Payload Near Infrared Detector Thermal Testing, Jordan Karburn, Maricris Schneider, Hilary Johnson, Michael Wong, Ryan Fellini, Collin Averill, Lance Simms, Peter Heatwole, Phillip Ritmuller, Pete Supsinskas

Small Satellite Conference

The Pandora mission introduces the Near-Infrared Detector Assembly (NIRDA) as an advancement in small satellite space-based infrared spectroscopy. This presentation emphasizes thermal stability, compact form factor, and ruggedized design. Developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), with support from NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the NIRDA is designed as one of two detector assemblies on the Pandora mission. Pandora is a Pioneers class astrophysics mission that seeks to characterize exoplanets and the activity of their host stars. The following presents the testing results of the NIRDA engineering unit (EU) and a comparison with …

Miniaturized Scintillation Based Detector For Characterizing Energetic Electron Precipitation, Anant Telikicherla

Small Satellite Conference

In-situ measurements of energetic particle precipitation in the near-Earth space environment are essential for understanding the governing physical processes responsible for this precipitation, as well as to elucidate the possible impacts of space radiation on the Earth’s atmosphere. In this study, we present the design of a novel miniaturized detector to measure energetic electron precipitation. The detector is one of the instruments to be flown on-board the Canadian RADiation Impacts on Climate and Atmospheric Loss Satellite (RADICALS) mission, which is a low-Earth orbiting satellite planned to launch in 2026/2027. The detector is optimized to measure high energy electron microburst precipitation, …

An Autonomous Reinforcement Learning Framework For Fault Recovery And Mission Replanning On Cubesats, Ganesh Danke, Rajiv Iyer

Small Satellite Conference

Onboard system failures during CubeSat operation can have significant consequences for mission success. Limited resources during the development process can hamper the development and implementation of recovery systems, increasing the likelihood of mission failures. In response, this paper establishes a reusable autonomous framework for mission replanning in the event of an onboard system failure. Prior to launch, the framework ingests a standardized mission plan detailing mission objectives, mission priorities, and onboard capabilities and resources. Segmenting this information into a set of discrete tasks with completion dependencies, a reinforcement learning approach is used to select a schedule of tasks with the …

Low-Cost Hold-Down And Release Mechanism For Small Satellite Deployable Solar Wings, Alexandre Florio

Small Satellite Conference

Deployable structures increase mission capabilities and this applies particularly to microspace missions which are subjected to tight volume constraints. Nonetheless, these deployable structures come at an increase in risk and financial costs. In fact, problems associated to deployable solar wings are one of the main contributors to early mission failure. This paper presents the development of a reliable low-cost hold-down and release mechanism for a two-segment small satellite solar wing. This mechanism was valuable in the effort of bringing the overall solar wing cost down by 30% to 60% in comparison to what is commercially available. Its main components are …

Bootstrap Methods For Bias-Correcting Probability Distribution Parameters Characterizing Extreme Snow Accumulations, Kenneth Pomeyie, Brennan Bean

Mathematics and Statistics Student Research and Class Projects

Accurately quantifying the threat of collapse due to the weight of settled snow on the roof of a structure is crucial for ensuring structural safety. This quantification relies upon direct measurements of the snow water equivalent (SWE) of settled snow, though most weather stations in the United States only measure snow depth. The absence of direct load measurements necessitates the use of modeled estimates of SWE, which often results in the underestimation of the scale/variance parameter of the distribution of annual maximum SWE. This paper introduces a novel bias correction method that employs a bootstrap technique with regression-based models to …

Debris Detection Using Star Tracker Concept Verification, Laila Kazemi, Alexander Vandenberghe, Mikel Samson, Bram Vandoren, Tjorven Delabie

Small Satellite Conference

This paper demonstrates the concept of space debris detection using star trackers. Arcsec’s Sagitta star tracker is an optical sensor designed to determine spacecraft attitude based on captured star images. The Sagitta star tracker processes these images to extract bright regions, which are then compared to an on-board star database. This functionality can also be extended to detect and track space debris passing through the sensor’s field of view. Typical star trackers discard any bright objects that are not matched to their star database. With addition of Debris Detection Using Star Trackers (DeDUST) algorithm, Sagitta can isolate these observations. Star …

Usspacecom Small Satellite Support, Rita Evaristo, Corey Best, Hoa Ramos

Small Satellite Conference

This paper explores the services and recommendation offered by USSPACECOM via Space Delta 2’s 18^th and 19^th Space Defense Squadrons (SDS) to enhance spaceflight safety and ensure mission success for satellite owners and operators.

Demisability Investigation With The Cubesat Source: Plasma Wind Tunnel Experiment Results, Daniel Galla, Clemens Kaiser, Iftekher Ahamed, Marco Siegle, Georg Herdrich, Sabine Klinkner, Kaja Gebhard, Paul Jannik Haufe, Philipp Hoffmann, Timon Jarothe, Marcel Liegibel, Michael O'Donohue

Small Satellite Conference

The increasing utilization of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) facilitates ground-breaking opportunities including telecommunication, Earth observation, gravimetry, Space Situation Awareness (SSA) and atmospheric science. However, it also creates a challenge for space debris mitigation and space traffic management. Current numerical tools predicting satellite demisability during uncontrolled atmospheric entry lack accurate models, hindering the estimation of component survivability which is needed for a sustainable growth in orbital commercialization. The University of Stuttgart’s Institute of Space Systems, together with the small satellite student society KSat e.V., addresses this issue with an interdisciplinary satellite re-entry analysis. This includes in-situ measurements in …

Automating Maneuvers: Considerations For Collision Avoidance, Lauri K. Newman, Matthew D. Hejduk

Small Satellite Conference

As more space operators implement large constellations of spacecraft, automating orbit maintenance maneuvers becomes a key feature of their operations concept to ensure that the workload is manageable. However, the practice of performing a maneuver without sharing the plan with other nearby spacecraft causes a risk that two spacecraft will collide, not only destroying the spacecraft involved, but creating debris that will affect all other spacecraft using that orbit regime. In order to share the maneuver plan, a predicted ephemeris file containing the maneuver must be sent to a central authority to screen against predicted trajectories of all other on-orbit …

Smallsat End-Of-Life Operations: Opportunities And Challenges, Nick Ratajczyk, Sierra Flynn, Gabe Bershenyi, Scott Gennari, Adrienne Pickerill, Brian Boyle, Dave Harber, Lucia Witikko

Small Satellite Conference

Compact Total Irradiance Monitor (CTIM) is a 6U cubesat that deployed in July of 2022 to continue forty years of continuous total solar irradiance measurements across multiple missions. In November of 2023, CTIM’s orbit began showing signs of accelerated decay in the form of inconsistent pass start times and noisier S-band downlinks, despite intensive orbital decay analysis. This unexpected decay, along with CTIM’s lack of GPS, presented the Smallsat Operations (SMOPS) team at the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (CU-LASP) with a big challenge: rapidly revise CONOPs, all while remaining at or under a 1.5k weekly …

Introduction To The Traffic Coordination System For Space (Tracss), Christine Joseph

Small Satellite Conference

This paper presents an overview of the Department of Commerce’s Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), its planned architecture, and the basic space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic coordination (STC) services which it will provide.

In 2018, the White House’s Space Policy Directive-3 identified the Department of Commerce (DOC) as the lead agency for civil SSA, directing transfer of that responsibility from the Department of Defense (DoD), which has historically offered that function to all space operators. This will allow the DoD to focus on its critical space domain awareness needs and mission, while DOC can drive spaceflight safety, …

Optimization In Gnc Systems, Bryan Rogler, Matt Baumgart, Elvis Silva

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Upgrade Of The Experimental S-Band Feed At Dss-17 For Deep Space Applications, Emily Walter

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Launch & Early Operations Phase (Leop) Iridium Eyestar-S4 24-7 Link With Mosaic-X5 Gps And Launch Results, Jeff F. Dailey, Matthew B. Orvis, John Pugsley, Matthew C. Voss, Hank D. Voss

Small Satellite Conference

Satellite Mission Success is best achieved during the Launch Early Operations Phase (LEOP) when a satellite first becomes alive as radio data (TT&C) appears on the ground station within seconds. Using the Iridium global network, no matter where a tumbling satellite is in orbit, TT&C data is available anywhere-anytime. Diagnostic data, GPS, spin rates, live ADCS, temperatures, voltages, electrical power systems, primary processor, deployments, and payload monitors like plasma density or integral particle fluxes can all be tracked during the turn-on process with the option of disabling or adjusting command parameters to the unexpected. Several EyeStar-S4 flight NSL/Iridium transceivers can …

Opentelemetry On-Orbit: Leveraging An Open Standard For Spacecraft Telemetry, Clint Frederickson

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Demonstrating Rapid Response For Remote Sensing Applications Using Automation And Intelligent Software On Geostare Sv2, Emily Milne, Michael Higgins, Bailey Cortright, Robert Goodloe, Alexander J. Pertica, Valentino Constantinou, Ali Mezher, Willem De Vries

Small Satellite Conference

We conducted a campaign to demonstrate rapid responsiveness by tasking a nanosatellite with in-transit plane and ship image captures. By utilizing open-source information, approximate routes can be generated using ANSYS's Systems Tool Kit (STK) Software for these vehicles¹.

GEOStare SV2 was leveraged for this effort by utilizing a new imaging mode for tracking and sweeping between coordinate locations ("nodes"). GEOStare SV2 is a 6U CubeSat in a mid-latitude LEO orbit with a dual camera remote sensing payload. The satellite is operated by Terran Orbital, with the payload designed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL). Since launching in May …