Nano-Satellites Design,

Development, Implementation and

Application

Ajo George

B . Tech-Mechanical

PES University

What are Nanosatellites??

• Miniaturized satellites, with a wet mass between

1-10kg.

• As small as 10x10x10 cm.

How are Nanosatellites used?

• Mainly used in constellations

• Multi-point in situ data collection covering large areas in space

Why are Nanosatellites used??

Due to their :

• Cost effectiveness

• Large scale application

• Functionality

• Robustness

The main concern regarding the structural design, is the problem of miniaturization of its subsystems

Thermal design

The objective is to maintain the temperature gradient, within the satellite by using conduction decks and miniaturized heaters.

Electrical power

System

The use of GaAs solar cells along with high capacity lithium ion batteries in integrated modules, increases the power efficiency of the satellite

Integration and

Fabrication

Aluminium is the most widely used structural material, which can be integrated with silicon wafers to form different structures depending on the application

Propulsion

Micro propulsion using electric or chemical thrusters, and development in MEMS and hybrid technology are the main forms of Nanosatellites propulsion

The development in remote sensing using COTS components has improved our understanding of many natural phenomenon and increased commercialization of Nanosatellites

• The use of radiation hardened processors and energy particle detectors help in predicting space weather

• COTS components have allowed, amateurs into development of ArduSats (arduino satellites)

Nanosatellites are usually deployed in constellations and due to their functionality they can also be used as fractional satellites.

Since they occupy LEO’s flight stabilization can be obtained using techniques such as passive aerodynamic stabilization.

Fractional satellite system

Satellite swarm

The unavailability of Nanosats to be deployed as secondary loads have made started the use of small launch services.

Deployer mechanisms such as the PPOD and the XPOD are being used.

Deployer mechanism

P-POD deployer

The overall safety during the development, testing and implementation of the NanoSats have been given by the ISO

International treaties have been formed for coordination of space activity

Due to the use of COTS components and cost effectiveness, the use of NanoSats is not only confined to governmental organizations across the world, but also private sector companies and educational institutions

As the reach of humans into space increases evermore, the commercialization of space has made NanoSats the critical link in the evolution of the space market and the next step in the advancement in new technology

Questions?