Paper Category: Missions
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Structured Radio Wave Generation for Target State Estimation via Satellite Formations
This paper discusses next-generation radar systems utilizing structured radio waves, which allow for the integrated control of wavefront structure, polarization state, and phase. By leveraging the azimuthal information inherent in Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes, structured radio wave radar mitigates image distortion issues common in conventional plane-wave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Furthermore, it enables advanced…
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Cybersecurity Approach for Multi-Tenant Small Satellites
Satellite-as-a-Service (SataaS) provides users with access to satellite capabilities without requiring ownership or direct operation of space assets. This paradigm enables the deployment and execution of applications in orbit without the need for custom hardware or dedicated missions, significantly lowering the entry barrier to space. In addition, SataaS supports rapid in-orbit experimentation, even for applications…
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UDAN: A Compact Deployable UHF Antenna Enabling High-Gain Links for CubeSats
The miniaturization of satellite platforms has imposed severe constraints on antenna systems, particularly for UHF links requiring high gain and polarization robustness. To address these challenges, this contribution introduces UDAN, a deployable UHF antenna concept designed to significantly enhance communication capabilities of CubeSats and other small spacecraft while remaining compliant with standard launch and deployment…
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Multi-sensor architectures for thermal imaging missions
Among the innovative offerings that NewSpace companies bring to the space industry, one is a constellation of thermal instruments. Thermal infrared (TIR) imagers are inherently more challenging to calibrate and geolocate than visible and near-infrared (VNIR) instruments due to: • lower spatial resolutions • higher sensor noise levels; and • a scarcity of stable reference…
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Unlocking Orbit: Commercializing ISS-Validated Systems
The International Space Station (ISS) has long served as the ultimate proving ground for spaceborne innovation by offering a unique environment for testing in microgravity. However, the true potential of emerging space technologies is only realized when they transition from the safety of a crewed testbed to the rigors of an independent, full-scale in-orbit demonstration.…
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System-Level CubeSat Propulsion Development for Next-Generation Deep-Space Missions
CubeSats have evolved from educational platforms into capable spacecraft for scientific, commercial, and exploration missions. Extending this capability to deep space and demanding Earth-orbit operations requires propulsion beyond current CubeSat state of practice. Deep-space transfers, precision manoeuvring, drag compensation, and long operational lifetimes demand high specific impulse, high total impulse, and efficient use of limited…
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LISAT-01: A Student Nanosatellite for Maritime Monitoring
LISAT-01 is a student-led nanosatellite mission developed in Portugal with the purpose of supporting maritime monitoring activities within the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone and Search and Rescue Region. The mission focuses on the integration and validation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data reception from space, contributing to improved situational awareness in maritime surveillance contexts. The…
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SENSORIS: NewSpace Constellation for Daily Gravity Field Solutions
Satellite gravimetry missions allow to track mass transport on global scales. The main satellite constellations for the gravity recovery are the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On missions. Typically, they provide monthly gravity field solutions which at times is suffering from data gaps. The future MAGIC constellation shall continue the time series and improve especially the spatial…
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AI-Based Navigation for Lunar Satellites in VLLO
This paper presents the design and preliminary validation of the Lunar Intelligent Navigation via Neural Architecture (LINNA) payload, a technology demonstration integrated into the SelenITA mission—Brazil’s first lunar CubeSat. The experiment is motivated by the future needs for autonomous state estimation in the Very Low Lunar Orbit (VLLO) regime, where Mascon-induced gravitational anomalies challenge traditional…
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Towards an open source, systems-level mission planning and analysis tool
The traditional systems engineering workflow requires synthesis of subsystem design information into technical budgets, performance simulations, and other metrics of mission credibility and value. Projects often use a diverse mixture of spreadsheet calculators and custom and commercial simulation software to draw mission-level conclusions from subsystem-level design information and requirements. This approach suffers from two inefficiencies.…