Paper Category: Missions
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RF Interference Mitigation for Dual S-Band Links on a 6U CubeSat: Preliminary Hardware Validation
This paper presents the RF communication system architecture and preliminary hardware validation for the ALIGN (Autonomous Laser-based Inter-satellite Gigabit Network) mission, comprising a pair of 6U CubeSats equipped with FOCUS (Free-space Optical Communications Unit for Space), an experimental payload demonstrating high-data-rate optical inter-satellite links in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Each platform features co-located S-band Radio…
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Agile Earth Observation Under Operational Constraints: CMG vs Reaction-Wheel ACS
As small commercial Earth Observation constellations expand, operators strive to collect more data and increase value per spacecraft while maintaining low costs and deployment times. In this context, spacecraft agility is often overlooked in constellation design: how quickly a satellite can rotate and then meet pointing requirements largely sets how many targets it can image…
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In-orbit validation of Oxford Space Systems Deployable Wrapped Rib Antenna (WRA)
Oxford Space Systems (OSS) has achieved significant advancements in space deployable antennas, enabling small-satellite constellations through their low mass, low launch volume and high RF performance. Launched in January 2026 on a Falcon 9 rocket, OSS have collaborated with SSTL on the CarbSAR mission to successfully demonstrate and validate the technology of the innovative deployable…
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ESA’s Lightship Propulsive Tug; an Enabler for Small, Low -Cost Mars Missions
The Exploration, Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) Mars team within the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) directorate in the European Space Agency (ESA) is currently performing industrial studies on the LightShip Propulsive Tug mission concept and has recently reached the end of Phase A. The LightShip Propulsive Tug concept is designed to deliver a single…
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CROMIS – The case for an orbital H-alpha solar telescope
Monitoring of the Sun and space weather is becoming increasingly important, with applications ranging from satellite and astronaut safety to GNSS reliability and power grid operations. The chromosphere, a complex and dynamic layer of the Sun’s atmosphere best visible in the H-alpha spectral line, holds significant information for resolving open questions like coronal heating and…
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CleanCube: A Zero Debris CubeSat Platform
Following a pre-phase A study to assess the feasibility of CubeSats being compliant to various space debris mitigation rules, ISISPACE is engaging into the Phase A work for a proposed a 12U IOD/IOV CubeSat mission “CleanCube”. The project is part of ESA’s OSIP initiatives to demonstrate the technologies that can provide compliance to stricter space…
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COTS coolers for space applications
COTS coolers for space applications H. Schot, G. de Jonge, C. Vasse Thales Cryogenics B.V. Eindhoven, The Netherlands The field-proven reliability and robustness of many mechanical cryocoolers has improved to a point where many cost-sensitive space missions are now using these commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) units for flight. In this presentation, we will present cryocooler models…
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Delivering Smallsat in a few weeks: Advancing Responsive Space Capabilities with Scalable Platforms
Responsive Space marks a fundamental shift in the way space-based services are developed, launched and operated. This evolution toward more adaptive architectures is driven by the growing need for rapid delivery, cost efficiency, and technical competitiveness in both commercial and military domains, at a pace that conflict with legacy satellite development processes, making the traditional…
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Autonomous FSM Architecture for Commissioning and Differential Drag Control in CubeSat Formations
The operational success of inter-satellite laser link (ISL) missions in CubeSat constellations depends on the strict management of conflicting requirements: energy harvesting, high-precision payload targeting, and orbital maintenance. This paper presents an automated onboard mission logic designed to manage the relative distance of a two-satellite 6U in formation flight (ranging from 100 km to 1000…
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Low SWaP Flight Board for High-Speed On-Board Data Handling, Processing and AI Inference
The continuous increase in payload data volume and mission autonomy requirements is driving the need for increasingly advanced on-board data handling and processing technologies in satellite systems. In particular, next-generation Earth observation, telecommunications, and distributed space architectures require high-performance processing capabilities to enable real-time data reduction, intelligent decision-making, and efficient use of downlink resources. Within…