Project Details
Description
A CubeSat is a small satellite whose unit is a cube of 10cm per side with an approximate weight
of 1 kg, today there are CubeSats of up to 12 units (12U). In the early 2000s the first CubeSats
were launched into orbit and today more than 1500 have been launched.
CubeSats have proven to be a viable option to access space for countries that do not have
indigenous space capabilities (non-space-fairing nations), in most cases the main objective is the
development of capabilities in the country's human resources. Some other examples of the uses
of CubeSats today are: space weather analysis, flight dynamics study, propulsion technologies,
satellite imagery, meteorology, telecommunications, among others.
The power electrical subsystem (EPS) is responsible for about 44% of the catastrophic failures in
CubeSats during the first 30 days after orbit; moreover, the EPS together with the communication
subsystem are the main contributors to the reduction in overall system reliability.
The equipment used to test conventional satellite power systems is cost prohibitive and, in
addition, inadequate for testing CubeSats power systems because it is not sized for these low
power applications.
To improve the reliability of CubeSat-based space missions, this project proposes the
development of an integrated and modular system for CubeSat power system testing designed to
be used as a solar array simulator (SAS), battery charger and discharger, or electronic load as
needed.
This system provides a complete solution to the testing needs for power systems on CubeSats,
both in the initial and intermediate stages of development, when verifying the functionality of the
devices that make up the power system and the system itself, as well as in the final phases in
which long duration tests are performed on the satellite's flight model.
of 1 kg, today there are CubeSats of up to 12 units (12U). In the early 2000s the first CubeSats
were launched into orbit and today more than 1500 have been launched.
CubeSats have proven to be a viable option to access space for countries that do not have
indigenous space capabilities (non-space-fairing nations), in most cases the main objective is the
development of capabilities in the country's human resources. Some other examples of the uses
of CubeSats today are: space weather analysis, flight dynamics study, propulsion technologies,
satellite imagery, meteorology, telecommunications, among others.
The power electrical subsystem (EPS) is responsible for about 44% of the catastrophic failures in
CubeSats during the first 30 days after orbit; moreover, the EPS together with the communication
subsystem are the main contributors to the reduction in overall system reliability.
The equipment used to test conventional satellite power systems is cost prohibitive and, in
addition, inadequate for testing CubeSats power systems because it is not sized for these low
power applications.
To improve the reliability of CubeSat-based space missions, this project proposes the
development of an integrated and modular system for CubeSat power system testing designed to
be used as a solar array simulator (SAS), battery charger and discharger, or electronic load as
needed.
This system provides a complete solution to the testing needs for power systems on CubeSats,
both in the initial and intermediate stages of development, when verifying the functionality of the
devices that make up the power system and the system itself, as well as in the final phases in
which long duration tests are performed on the satellite's flight model.
General Objective
Desarrollar un sistema integrado y modular de pruebas
para sistemas de potencia en CubeSats
para sistemas de potencia en CubeSats
Research Lines
Escuela de Ingeniería Electromecánica: Industria 4.0
Escuela de Ingeniería Electrónica: Instrumentación electrónica y microelectrónica,
Sistemas empotrados
Escuela de Ingeniería Electrónica: Instrumentación electrónica y microelectrónica,
Sistemas empotrados
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/07/22 → 30/06/24 |
Keywords
- CubeSat
- power systems
- tests
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