From CubeSats to constellations : systems design and performance analysis
Name
872116415-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
21.41 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
fd832f49c6effbd0fa9ecfac247a7422
Author(s)
Marinan, Anne Dorothy
Advisor(s)
Kerri Cahoy.
Date Issued
2013
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The primary purpose of an Earth observing spacecraft constellation is to obtain global measurements with improved spatial and temporal resolution. The small size, low cost, standardized form factor, and increasing availability of commercial parts for CubeSats make them ideal for use in constellations. In this work, we provide an in-depth analysis of how to evolve from a single Earth-observing CubeSat to an effective CubeSat constellation. We first consider pointing capability provided by three different CubeSat attitude determination and control system (ADCS) architectures to an Earth-observing payload. Our approach of performing a comprehensive orbital altitude and inclination reference point analysis for all subsystems allows us not only to evaluate trades between subsystems when designing a CubeSat that may be manifest in any low-Earth orbit, but the reference point analysis also provides a database of impacts that the orbital parameters have on subsystems and performance for designing a constellation. Next, we consider the practical challenge of trying to launch and distribute a CubeSat constellation into a specific configuration. We suggest a cost-effective way to launch a constellation of CubeSats via consecutive secondary payload launch opportunities.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2013.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. "September 2013."
Includes bibliographical references (pages 87-91).
Subjects
Aeronautics and Astronautics.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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