Paper Category: Missions
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Designing for Launchability: Aligning Satellites and Launch Vehicles for Mission Success
The success of a space mission depends not only on innovative satellite technology or a powerful rocket—it hinges on the seamless integration between payload and launch vehicle. This presentation explores “launchability” from both sides: what satellite developers must consider to ensure successful, cost-effective access to space, and what emerging launch vehicle providers need to understand…
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Preparation and Verification Method at ETB/FM Test Level for Establishing Satellite IAC Procedures
Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) is the critical final verification stage conducted after launch vehicle (LV) sepa-ration and orbit insertion, prior to normal mission opera-tions. LEOP consists of Initial Activation and Checkout (IAC) and In-Orbit Test (IOT). Within this phase, the spacecraft (S/C) bus IAC is of paramount importance. Tra-ditionally, due to the impossibility…
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Lesson Learned in the Operation of a CubeSat ADCS in the Presence of Sensor Anomaly
Small satellites and CubeSats often employ commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to achieve cost effectiveness, but these components are prone to anomalies that may jeopardize mission success. It is thus desired to learn from operational experience for continuous improvement. In the paper, lessons learned from the operation of the Lilium-1 CubeSat attitude determination and control subsystem…
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Resolving the Origin of Deimos: Combining Global and Local Composi-tional Analysis with the small-sat TASTE Mission
Understanding the formation of Phobos and Deimos is critical for decoding the history of Mars and the evolution of the outer Solar System. The scientific debate centers on two models: for-mation via a Martian giant impact or the capture of D-type asteroids. The TASTE – Terrain Analyzer and Sample Tester Explorer mission seeks to resolve…
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NarSha – Korea’s First Spaceborne Methane Monitoring Mission Using a Hyperspectral Microsatellite Constellation
Methane (CH₄) is a significant driver of climate change, responsible for approximately 30% of global warming since industrialization and exhibiting a global warming potential over 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂) on a 20-year timescale. Despite its impact, methane emissions remain highly uncertain due to systematic underreporting, particularly in the oil and…
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First Aurora Propulsion Technologies flight data from a customer mission
In November 2025, another 4 of Aurora’s Resistojet Thrusters and a Plasma Brake were launched into orbit as a part of the WISDOM mission which received funding from ESA NAVISP programme. This paper presents the results received from orbit thus far and outlines the plan for upcoming tests, including the Plasma Brake deployment planned for…
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KLARA: A Miniaturized, Low-Cost Re-Entry Capsule
KLARA is a miniaturized, low-cost re-entry capsule designed to capture critical aerothermodynamic and attitude data from satellites during atmospheric re-entry. By leveraging an iterative test-driven approach and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, KLARA aims to optimize performance while minimizing costs, paving the way for more accessible space debris monitoring and re-entry studies. Iterative Development Approach Inspired…