Digital Commons Network^™

Modular, Scalable Electroadhesive Technology For Rapid Response Satellite Servicing And De-Orbit, Kalia Crowder, Victor Agüero

Small Satellite Conference

Building on previous surface attachment testing and a study of the Cambrian Works Space Payload for Inertial Despin Efficient Effects (SPIDEE) architecture carried out under AFRL support, this work presents a modular, scalable electroadhesive attachment architecture enabling rapid-response satellite servicing and de-orbit missions. Prior test and analysis campaigns provided quantified performance validation across the small satellite size range, from 3U CubeSats to ESPA-class platforms, demonstrating the scalability required for diverse time-critical servicing scenarios.

Testing validated performance under representative on-orbit conditions and dynamic scenarios. Attachment force measurements across spacecraft materials representing aluminum bus structures, composite panels, multi-layer insulation, and solar cells …

Dante: A Spaceborne Radar Constellation For Debris Detection And Tracking, Leonardo Carrer, Davide Giudici, Bernhard Niedermayer, Christian Federspiel, Wolfgang Ebner, Robert Greinecker

Small Satellite Conference

The growth of space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is increasing collision risk and challenging the sustainability of space operations, while current ground‑based radars remain limited in sensitivity, coverage and update rates especially for small objects. This paper presents DANTE (Detection ANd Tracking of space dEbris), a spaceborne radar constellation concept designed to enhance debris detection, tracking and orbit refinement directly from LEO. DANTE employs multiple low‑cost satellites equipped with X‑band phased‑array radars operating in two modes: a Tracking Mode for trajectory refinement of known objects and a Beam‑Park/Electronic Fence Mode for debris discovery. Performance analyses indicate sub‑meter resolution …

Acs3 Results And Lesson Learned, Philip Shih, Olive Stohlman, Ivan Bertaska, Andres Dono Perez

Small Satellite Conference

ACS3 (Advanced Composite Solar Sail System) was a technology demonstration mission for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration¹, to demonstrate the deployment of a solar sail of size 80m² from a new NASA-developed compact deployable composite boom² packaged in a 12U CubeSat. The extended objective of the mission was to perform attitude control and orbit maneuvering. ACS3 was successfully launched on 24 April 2024 local time via Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B in Mahia, New Zealand. Following four months of commissioning operations, the solar sail was deployed on 28 August …

The Solar Neutrino And Astro-Particle Physics (Snappy) Cubesat Development, Brian M. Sutin, Edward Bierens, Brian Doty, Atri Dutta, Jonathan Folkerts, Brooks Hartsock, Kyle Messick, Holger Meyer, Daniel Reichart, Nick Solomey, Mark Crystal, Miguel Rodriguez-Otero, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Robert Mctaggart, James Cutler, Joel Steinkraus, Jose G. Rivera

Small Satellite Conference

The SNAPPY CubeSat, which was launched May 3, 2026, will demonstrate and space qualify the νSol neutrino-detection technology. The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program funded the νSol study to determine the scientific and technical challenges associated with a solar neutrino detector operating in close orbit around the Sun, such as a Parker Solar Probe–like orbit at 7 solar radii and potentially as close as 3 solar radii. This program began in 2017 and has continued with funding from NIAC and NASA’s Heliophysics Division. The νSol technology detects solar neutrinos using a gallium isotope which decays by …

Space Payload For Inertial De-Spin Efficient Effects (Spidee) For Reusable On-Orbit Attachment, Kailia Crowder, David Smith, Raefa Malik, Adam Orris, Simon Lee, Victor Agüero

Small Satellite Conference

The Space Payload for Inertial De-spin Efficient Effects (SPIDEE) is an electroadhesion-based general purpose in-space attachment payload ideally suited for docking, augmentation, mobility, and in-space assembly missions that does not require pre-preparation of the attachment surface.

Built around eTAP^TM (electrical Thin Attachment Pad), SPIDEE supports missions to attach to, detumble, and provide space mobility to defunct satellites and/or rocket bodies. eTAP's low power, reusability, and flexibility make it ideal as an all-purpose attachment and docking technology for the upcoming space challenge of reducing, reusing, and recycling in-orbit debris and/or assets. eTAP adheres to virtually all materials that are used …

Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (Satlass), Anthony Todisco Jr., Jaden Caradine, Caleb Garner, Rithika Nagarajar, Alex Brown, Hannah Robinson, Jeffrey Smothermon

Small Satellite Conference

Poster presented during the 2025 SmallSat Conference.

Nasa Spacecube Next-Generation Artificial-Intelligence Computing For Stp-H9-Scenic On Iss, Alessandro Geist, Gary Crum, Cody Brewer, Dennis Afanasev, Sebastian Sabogal, David Wilson, Justin Goodwill, James Marshall, Noah Perryman, Nick Franconi, Timothy Chase Jr., Travis Wise, Sarah Flanagan, Michael Monaghan, Jeff Hosler, Leyland Young, Judy Kuntz, Lindsey Seo, Joseph Schreck, Tracy Price, Munther Hassouneh, Steven Kenyon, Samuel Price, Christopher Wilson, Nicole Thai, Madison Hobbs, Andrew Keene, Sammy Lin, Michael Nemerouf, Evan T. Kain, Francisco O. Viramontes, Tyler M. Lovelly

Small Satellite Conference

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities have seen an exponential increase in interest from academia and industry that can be a disruptive, transformative development for future missions. Specifically, AI/ML concepts for edge computing can be integrated into future missions for autonomous operation, constellation missions, and onboard data analysis. However, using commercial AI software frameworks onboard spacecraft is challenging because traditional radiation-hardened processors and common spacecraft processors cannot provide the necessary onboard processing capability to effectively deploy complex AI models. Advantageously, embedded AI microchips being developed for the mobile market demonstrate remarkable capability and follow similar size, weight, …

Scouts Missions: Esa New Program For Science Mission Based On Small Satellite, Massimiliano Pastena, Jean-Pascal Lejault, Dominique Gilliéron

Small Satellite Conference

This paper presents the main characteristics of the new Scout framework in ESA's Earth Observation directorate aimed to exploit and support the New Space initiative in Europe in the frame of Earth science missions. In particular, details will be provided to explain the subtle balance between the commercial new space aspects and the science traditional aspects of the Scout framework. An overview of the 4 missions selected during the first consolidation round will be given as well as the one under development highlighting for each one the innovations, applications as well as the challenges and the achievements of the development …

A Small Satellite Constellation For Monitoring Of The Aurora, Giada Staniscia, Bastiaan Lagaune, Sten Berge, Milan Battelino, Stefan Kraft

Small Satellite Conference

As part of the European Space Agency's D3S (Distributed Space Weather Sensor System), a small satellite constellation is currently being designed by OHB Sweden which will observe space weather impacts in Earth's vicinity by monitoring of the auroral oval. The primary objective of the Aurora mission is to observe the Aurora Borealis and Australis continuously and as complete as possible. The auroral emissions are the result of interactions of the Solar Wind and Coronal Mass Ejections with the Earth which drive the location and strength of electron precipitation on the ionosphere. Such observations will thereby allow the identification, characterization and …

Ballistic Aerocapture For Smallsat: A Case Study For Venus Atmospheric Sampling Probe, Oswaldo Santana, Ye Lu

Small Satellite Conference

Aerocapture is a maneuver that can improve the capabilities of interplanetary small satellite missions to efficiently deliver a probe to a target destination. The maneuver is accomplished with a single atmospheric pass followed by a small propulsive burn to reach the final orbit. In this paper, we consider a SmallSat atmospheric sampling probe with an existing heatshield and evaluate the performance and benefits of ballistic aerocapture. The performance is assessed by comparing ΔV required of a fully propulsive orbital insertion and that of a ballistic aerocapture. Significant fuel mass savings can be achieved with a passive lifting vehicle. With a …

Nasa Science Mission Directorate Smallsat Coordination Group: State Of Nasa Science With Smallsats, Florence Tan, Natalie Khalil

Small Satellite Conference

NASA recognizes the value and impact of SmallSats, from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, for high-value science missions to support exploration through innovative technologies. With SmallSats, we are able to, more nimbly, perform targeted science, prove out new technologies and innovation, and educate and train our engineers and scientists for the workforce of tomorrow. Across six divisions of the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), over 11 years, SMD has funded 73 CubeSat / SmallSat Missions and 56 Studies to date. Currently, SMD has 44 small spacecraft science missions (67 spacecraft) in implementation or formulation. The goal of this paper is to provide …

Active Thermal Architecture: Design And Status, Lucas Anderson, Charles Swenson, A. J. Mastropietro, Jonathan Sauder

Small Satellite Conference

This paper presents a design update for the Active Thermal Architecture (ATA) project. ATA is a joint effort between Utah State University and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, funded by the NASA Small Spacecraft Technology Program (SSTP). The objective of the ATA is to develop advanced active thermal control technologies for Small Satellites in support of cryogenic electro-optical instrumentation.

Specifically, the development of a 1U ground-based prototype of a single-phase, two-stage mechanically pumped fluid loop based active thermal control subsystem targeted at 6U CubeSat platforms and above. The first stage utilizes a micro-pump to circulate working fluid between an integrated heat …

Integrating Globally Dispersed Calibration In Small Satellites Mission Value, Afreen Siddiqi, Sheila Baber, Olivier L. De Weck, Chris Durell, Brandon Russell, Jeff Holt

Small Satellite Conference

The availability of earth observation (EO) data has rapidly increased from small satellite missions, however, there are often important deficiencies in its accuracy due to lack of calibration. If calibration is rigorously used with emerging sensors, there can be important improvements in reducing uncertainty with profound implications in use of remote sensing data for climate modeling, disaster recovery, and other applications. Here, a novel methodology for modeling the value of multi-spacecraft earth observation missions with globally dispersed calibration systems for frequent radiometric calibration of earth imaging sensors is presented. The mission value is quantified with a proxy metric, Effective Data …

The First Vega Ride-Share Mission Flight, Fabio Caramelli, Francois Battie, Aldo Scaccia, S. Corbo, A. Dalloneau, F. Fabiani, Angelo Fontana, M. Mariani, P. Guerrieri, Augusto Cramarossa, Alessandro Gabrielli

Small Satellite Conference

The first European ride-share mission will be carried out by the Vega launch system in September 2019. The VEGA PoC (Proof of Concept) flight using the SSMS (Small Satellite Mission Service) hardware was conceived in the context of ESA LLL Initiative. This paper reports on the highlights of the preparation of the first European rideshare mission with Vega launcher and on the development of the related launch system.

Based on Vega flights accumulated experience, the development of multi-Payload mission concept started from analysis of the activities currently foreseen to fly a single payload mission adapted to the needs of multi …

Advances In Cubesat Laser Communications Transceiver, Brian Mathason, Micahel M. Albert, Doruk Engin, He Cao, Keith Petrillo, Jacob Hwang, Khoa Le, Kent Puffenberger, Slava Litvinovitch, Richard Utano, Mark Storm

Small Satellite Conference

This paper describes progress toward supporting full duplex Earth-to-ground links and intersatellite links (ISLs) capable of supporting mesh networks around Earth, the sun, and deep space. The paper reviews recent advances in compact free space optical (FSO) terminals at Fibertek and potential uses for a NASA Science Enabling Technologies for Heliophysics (SETH) mission and ISLs in general. The laser communications terminal (LCT) design is modular, flexible, and can accommodate a variety of waveforms and data formats. Fibertek has a unit deployed in space for initial testing to be followed by additional units for more broad-based market applications.

Our first-generation optical …

Cnes Miniaturization Policy: An Answer To Nanosatellites Challenges, Clement Dudal, C. Laporte, T. Floriant, Philippe Lafabrie

Small Satellite Conference

The reduction of mass and size with improvement of the performance of a device is a permanent challenge for the space industry. The French National Space Agency has funded hundreds of R&D activities in the past, in all dedicated technical areas to facilitate these kind of technological evolution. Miniaturization efforts have, more recently, encountered a growing field of application, the one of Nanosatellites. For these applications, performance/cost trade-off is largely dominated by full cost, that is to say the cost including the entire satellite system development, from the initial idea to the end of life, including operations, data processing and …

Taranis: Myriade Small Satellite For Tle Observation, 8 Instruments Challenge., Pierre Spizzi

Small Satellite Conference

This work presents the adaptation of MYRIADE satellite to the mission TARANIS. The particularity of this mission is the 8 instruments embedded, in various area of science: : electro-magnetic detection instrument, optical detection and radiation detector. This heterogeneity has strong impact on satellite design, and moreover on an existing platform. First adaptation was made on mechanical structure to accept a 200kg satellite, instead of 130 kg previously, in perimeter of launcher constraint, which was a small allocated volume and stronger random vibration level. Second adaptation was the power budget design. Maximum capacity of MYRIADE satellite was around 100W for all …

The Star-Planet Activity Research Cubesat (Sparcs): A Mission To Understand The Impact Of Stars In Exoplanets, David Ardila, Evgenya Shkolnik, Paul Scowen, April Jewell, Shouleh Nikzad, Judd Bowman, Michael Fitzgerald, Daniel Jacobs

Small Satellite Conference

The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS) is a NASA-funded astrophysics mission, devoted to the study of the ultraviolet (UV) time-domain behavior in low-mass stars. Given their abundance and size, low-mass stars are important targets in the search for habitable-zone, exoplanets. However, not enough is known about the stars flare and quiescent emission, which powers photochemical reactions on the atmospheres of possible planets. Over its initial 1- year mission, SPARCS will stare at ≈10 stars in order to measure short- (minutes) and long- (months) term variability simultaneously in the near-UV (NUV – lc = 280 nm) and far-UV (FUV – lc …

Cubesat Model-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse) Reference Model –Model Distribution And Application –Interim Status #2, David Kaslow, Bradley Ayres, Michael Chonoles, Samuel Gasster, Laura Hart, Chris Massa, Rose Yntema

Small Satellite Conference

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a key practice to advance systems engineering that can benefit CubeSat missions. MBSE creates a system model that helps integrate other discipline specific engineering models and simulations.

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) established the MBSE Initiative to promote, advance, and institutionalize the practice of MBSE. The INCOSE Space Systems Working Group Challenge team has been investigating the applicability of MBSE for designing CubeSats since 2011.

Our application of MBSE uses System Modeling Language (SysML), a graphical modeling language, to model all aspects of a system either directly or through an interface with …

Cubesat Model-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse) Reference Model - Model Distribution And Application In The Concept Lifecycle Phase - Interim Status, David Kaslow

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Multi-Spacecraft Autonomous Positioning System: Leo Demo Development, Evan Anzalone, Chris Becker, Danielle Crump, Daniel Heater

Small Satellite Conference

The Multi-spacecraft Autonomous Positioning System enables a solar-system wide navigation capability. This architecture takes advantages of a growing interplanetary communication network. The spacecraft, as well as ground-based assets, share best estimated position and velocity, through embedded navigation packets. Combined with timing observations, this supports onboard autonomous state estimation. Through simulation-based analysis, this architecture has been shown to maintain state estimation accuracy during a Martian cruise while reducing the need for Earth-based state updates. The current stage of this research is development of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation to further analyze this architecture. This allows for embedding of space-capable (and space-flown) components …

Small Spinning Landers For Solar System Exploration Missions, Rex Ridenoure, Joe Cardin, Chris Day

Small Satellite Conference

The spinning lander is a novel concept for safely landing and hopping on unimproved surfaces virtually anywhere in the solar system. It was first conceived in the early 1960s by satellite industry pioneer Harold Rosen, but not applied to an actual mission design until 2007-2008 as a Google Lunar XPRIZE team entry. Key to this new lander concept is the dual-spin spacecraft system approach developed and matured by Rosen and his Hughes Space & Communications, Inc. team starting in the late 1960s—a simple, scalable spacecraft architecture which dominated the communications satellite arena for nearly 25 years. Rosen’s GLXP entry featured …

X Band Downlink For Cubesat, E. Peragin, H. Diez, F. Darnon, D. Belot, J-P Millerioux, J-L Issler, T. Dehaene, Y. Richard, G. Guillois, F Sépot, D. Simon

Small Satellite Conference

Six years ago, CNES started R&D studies related to telemetry in X band, with the goal of providing to micro satellite platform manufacturers a low cost but high performances X band transmitter. The promising results achieved have led to the decision to develop a transmitter for ESA PROBA-V spacecraft to be launched in 2013. The first flight models have been designed in only 18 months and will be delivered to ESA in February 2012. In the same way, CNES is now studying a solution to download telemetry in X band for cube and nano satellites. The aim is to provide …

The Antarctic Broadband Demonstration Nanosatellite: Fast Internet For The Bottom Of The Earth, Grant Bonin, Robert Zee, Michael Brett, Jan King

Small Satellite Conference

High bandwidth communications is the largest sector of the commercial satellite industry. While micro- and nanosatellites have yet to service this market on a commercial basis, it is expected that such spacecraft will play an increasing role in the communications industry, with initial applications likely to be in niches that cannot be readily or easily addressed by traditional service providers. Antarctica is one such niche. Communication needs in the Antarctic are increasing rapidly, with high growth rates in operational and scientific activities across the continent. Traditional space and terrestrial communication solutions will not be able to meet these needs in …

The Iss As A Launch Platform For Phenomena Of Interest, Phillip Anderson, Bryan Bingham, Charles Swenson, Chad Fish, Joshua Martineau

Small Satellite Conference

The lower ionosphere/thermosphere (150 to 350 km) is the boundary between the sensible atmosphere of the Earth and space. This region receives energy and momentum from both the sun (ultra-violet light and electromagnetic energy coupled via the earth’s magnetosphere) and the lower atmosphere (turbulent waves). These processes act as system drivers and feedback elements, but are still poorly understood, making the weather in this region unpredictable. Few observations of these processes and their coupling are available and no validation of the predicted fundamental neutral or plasma processes has been accomplished. Although almost immeasurable themselves, these atmospheric changes have very measurable …

The Adpms Ready For Flight An Advanced Data & Power Management System For Small Satellites & Missions, Koen Puimège, Jo Bermyn

Small Satellite Conference

In a contract for ESA, Verhaert Space developed a state-off-the-art control unit for small satellites. Built on the experience gained with the PROBA-I satellite that has been in daily use since its launch in 2001. This next generation avionics has been developed and will have its first in-orbit demonstration in 2009 as the satellite control unit for PROBA-II. The objective of this paper is to explain the benefit of this avionics and its architecture towards small satellite integrators. The ADPMS presented in this paper is designed for rapid adaptation to a diversity of next generation satellites. It provides the fundamental …

Smallsats To The Moon: Providing The ‘Picks And Shovels For The 21st Century’S Greatest Exploration Endeavour’ , Adam Baker, Andy Phipps, Philip Davies, Xavier Alabart, Martin Sweeting

Small Satellite Conference

Small spacecraft have an enviable history of changing the economics of space. Space development and exploration has historically been costly, and going beyond Earth orbit even more so. However the cost-performance balance of small spacecraft has increased to the point where new commercial business cases using space infrastructure can be enabled. This paper outlines SSTL’s approach to low cost missions, and its validity to exploration, in particular the Moon. The political environment for supporting space missions, particularly exploration in the United Kingdom is covered, including study activities building the case for a national exploration programme and their fit to strategic …

Overview Of The Xnav Program, X-Ray Navigation Using Celestial Sources , Dave Beckett

Small Satellite Conference

Satellite navigation systems rely heavily upon the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS provides unrivaled performance in measurements of satellite ephemerides. Due to the increasing number of GPS system threats other options are now being evaluated, these new technologies are designed to augment or back-up the GPS system and be applied on other deep space missions. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing one such navigation system, referred to as XNAV - “X-ray Source Based NAVigation for Autonomous Position Determination”. Theoretically, this system can use celestial X-ray sources to determine spacecraft attitude and position knowledge anywhere in the solar …

Small Satellites Cnes Programme Missions Flown And In Preparation, Lessons Learned, Success Conditions, Bernard Tatry, Marie-Anne Clair, François Buisson

Small Satellite Conference

MYRIADE is the name of the CNES (french space agency) small satellite Line of Product which development started in 1999. It was an answer to the existing scientific, application or technological missions needs, and also an opportunity to develop international cooperation, technical or technological innovation, new management techniques, new organisations … MYRIADE had several objectives - provide low mission cost including launch cost - provide short development time - provide possibility to launch 2 missions/year - provide high performances together with great flexibility - The MYRIADE system is a multi-missions system, with a common ground segment and a specific flight …

Micro-Inspector Spacecraft An Overview, Hannah Goldberg, Juergen Mueller, Leon Alkalai

Small Satellite Conference

JPL has completed design of a small (< 5 kg) spacecraft capable of visual inspection of a host vehicle with support from NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD). The Micro-Inspector is designed to have a minimal impact on the host with respect to mass, size, cost, interface, and integration. On orbit, the host provides the separation signal to the Micro-Inspector, ejecting it to autonomously maneuver about the host taking images and communicating them back to the host in real-time. The Micro-Inspector is capable of receiving commands for additional utility. After operations are complete, the Micro-Inspector will go through an end of life disposal, ensuring it is at a safe distance and minimal risk to the host. The Micro-Inspector spacecraft features an FPGA based avionics design with embedded processors, miniaturized celestial sensors and a MEMS-based IMU for navigation, structured light system for hazard avoidance, triple-junction solar cells for power generation and lithiumion batteries for power storage, and a low pressure butane propulsion system, all in a compact and integrated structure, allowing the Micro-Inspector to operate in close proximity to another space object. Extra mass and volume can be used for additional sensors other than visual inspection to provide a more complete analysis of the local space environment. This paper describes the multi-mission utility of the Micro-Inspector and presents an overview of the spacecraft system and subsystem designs, description of a typical inspection mission scenario, and initial hardware demonstrations of key subsystems, partially integrated with each other in a Micro-Inspector testbed at JPL.