Paper Category: Systems Engineering & Integration
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Multiclass Satellite Payload for SAR
This work investigates a multiclass spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload architecture aimed at enabling distributed and scalable Earth Observation missions using NanoSats and/or MicroSats in cooperative satellite swarms. The proposed architecture addresses the challenge of achieving high performance SAR imaging within the inherent mass, volume and power constraints of small satellites while supporting advanced…
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Modular approach for ensuring smallsat cybersecurity
Small satellites largely rely on rapid development cycles and distributed ground segment services while using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, which collectively introduce significant cybersecurity challenges. Constrained budgets, short mission timelines and limited onboard resources often prevent the adoption of security-by-design approaches traditionally used in larger space missions. Additionally, the use of COTS and standardized protocols…
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Comparative Analysis of ST-100 and ST-100M Hall Thruster Prototypes for Mission-Specific Applications
This study provides a comparative assessment of the ST-100 Hall-effect thruster and its magnetically shielded counterpart, the ST-100M, designed to enhance longevity by minimizing channel wall erosion. Erosion of dielectric channel walls remains a critical limitation for thruster operational life. The ST-100M incorporates an optimized magnetic topology, developed using ANSYS Maxwell simulations, to deflect ion…
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CubeSat ISR Constellation Mission Tailoring
This paper presents a modelling framework for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) CubeSat constellation combining optical payload and Software Defined Radio (SDR). The concept satellite is 8-16U depending on the payload resolution and presence of warm-gas propulsion allowing for orbital changes and station keeping extending the operational time. Deployed in 500-km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), the…
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The Final Barrier to High-Performance Computing in Space: Architectures for Mitigating Catastrophic Radiation Effects
The increasing ambition of commercial and institutional space missions is driving demand for onboard computing capabilities far beyond traditional spacecraft avionics. Applications such as orbital data centers, large satellite constellations, autonomous mission operations, and real time data processing increasingly depend on high performance GPUs, advanced processors, high density solid state storage, and complex commercial electronic…
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Engineering a 160-Node Distributed Payload in 3U
Rapid in-orbit technology validation is increasingly constrained by integration effort and spacecraft resource margins. We present a systems-engineering approach for hosting up to 160 low-power experiment nodes within a standard 3U CubeSat as a contained distributed payload. The architecture treats each node as an independently testable endpoint while the spacecraft provides shared power, timing, command…
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Qualification test campaign for the 18kN Milli Release Nut
The Dcubed Milli Release Nut (mD3RN) is a compact, high-performance release actuator based on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology, capable of sustaining and releasing axial loads of up to 18 kN. The actuator has been designed with a strong focus on low mass, compact form factor, and functional redundancy, while enabling a simple and rapid…
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Topology Optimization and Cooling Structures for Electronic Equipment in Small Satellites
Data processing capacity and power demands are rapidly increasing in telecom and scientific payloads. That, together with miniaturization of systems, leads often to performance limitation due to insufficient cooling, which therefore limits the revenue that can be obtained from the equipment. Optimized design of satellite structures and cooling systems combined is therefore key to enable…