UWE-3, in-orbit performance and lessons learned of a modular and flexible satellite bus for future pico-satellite formations. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Busch, S.; Bangert, P.; Dombrovski, S.; Schilling, K.
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 117(2015)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: ADCS attitude determination system -- COMM communication system -- COTS commercial of the shelf -- ECI Earth center inertial -- EDAC error detection and recovery -- EPS electrical power system -- FDIR fault-detection, fault-isolation and recovery -- GUI graphical user interface -- JTAG/EEM joint test action group/embedded emulation module -- MLI multilayer insulation -- OBC onboard computer -- RMS root mean square -- RSSI received signal strength indication -- SET single event transient -- SEU single event upset -- TNC terminal node controller -- TWU toggle watchdog unit -- UWE University of Wuerzburg Experimental satellite; Pico-satellite -- In-orbit operations -- Attitude determination and control -- Autonomous groundstation operation; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Formations of small satellites offer promising perspectives due to improved temporal and spatial coverage and resolution at reasonable costs. The UWE-program addresses in-orbit demonstrations of key technologies to enable formations of cooperating distributed spacecraft at pico-satellite level. In this context, the CubeSat UWE-3 addresses experiments for evaluation of real-time attitude determination and control. UWE-3 introduces also a modular and flexible pico-satellite bus as a robust and extensible base for future missions. Technical objective was a very low power consumption of the COTS-based system, nevertheless providing a robust performance of this miniature satellite by advanced microprocessor redundancy and fault detection, identification and recovery software. This contribution addresses the UWE-3 design and mission results with emphasis on the operational experiences of the attitude determination and control system. Highlights: Design aspects and first year in-orbit experience of the modular pico-satellite UWE-3. Performance demonstration based on in-orbit data of individual subsystems. Characterization of residual magnetic dipole moment affecting attitude control. Results from efficient magnetic control for spin-up and detumbling experiments. Location and frequency analysis of interference sources in the amateur radio band.