Paper Category: Missions
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Lessons Learned from UPAEP’s AzTechSat-1 and Gxiba-1 Nanosatellites
This paper presents lessons learned during the development of the AzTechSat-1 nanosatellite (rule-based and driven by NASA methods) and the Gxiba-1 nanosatellite (documentation-driven and demonstration-oriented), both of which were influenced by NASA’s mission culture and JAXA’s Japanese methodology. Both missions are grounded in systems engineering (traceable requirements, subsystem decomposition, and controlled integration). Quality gates, including…
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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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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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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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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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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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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…
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Satellite-as-a-Service: A Cybersecurity Perspective
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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Shining a spotlight on maritime dark traffic
The ability to support Maritime Domain Awareness from space using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been successfully demonstrated in the past, however practical challenges in achieving the necessary area coverage, temporal coverage and spatial resolution for a practical system has eluded wider adoption. Yet demand for Maritime Surveillance has increased in recent years, to protect…
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A Comprehensive Framework for Analysis and Review of Super‑Resolution Models in Earth Observation Imagery
This work presents a comprehensive evaluation framework for Earth observation (EO) super‑resolution (SR) models, combining large‑scale literature analysis with practical benchmarking and workflow prototyping. Motivated by the rapid expansion of deep learning–based SR techniques and the increasing demand for high‑fidelity EO imagery, we conducted an extensive review of more than 200 research papers spanning classical,…