Technical Foundations and Lifecycle of CubeSats: From Manufacturing to End of Use

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Technical Foundations and Lifecycle of CubeSats: From Manufacturing to End of Use

CubeSats, small modular satellites that have revolutionized space exploration, rely on a variety of advanced technologies and streamlined processes from their design to their operational end. This article delves into the technical infrastructure, manufacturing processes, and the full lifecycle of CubeSats, exploring their launch, orbit dynamics, and eventual decommissioning.

Technical Infrastructure of CubeSats

The technical foundation of CubeSats lies in their modular design, which adheres to a standard unit size of 10x10x10 centimeters (1U). Larger configurations, such as 2U, 3U, or 6U, can be assembled by combining these basic units. The modularity ensures cost-effectiveness and compatibility with a variety of launch vehicles.

Core Components

  1. Structure: The satellite’s frame is typically constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, such as aluminum alloys or carbon composites. These materials are designed to withstand the stresses of launch and provide protection against space radiation and micrometeoroids.
  2. Power System: CubeSats are powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The energy is stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which supply power to the satellite’s subsystems during periods when it is in the Earth’s shadow.
  3. Communication System: CubeSats are equipped with antennas and transceivers for establishing a communication link with ground stations. Commonly used frequency bands include UHF, VHF, S-band, and X-band. The communication systems allow telemetry data transmission, command reception, and payload data transfer.
  4. Onboard Computer: The onboard computer (OBC) serves as the brain of the CubeSat, managing its operations and processing data. Modern CubeSats often use low-power microcontrollers or single-board computers, such as Raspberry Pi or CubeSat Kit boards.
  5. Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS): To ensure proper orientation in space, CubeSats use sensors like gyroscopes, magnetometers, and sun sensors, along with actuators like reaction wheels and magnetorquers. This system is critical for tasks such as Earth observation and maintaining communication alignment.
  6. Payload: The payload varies depending on the mission objectives and may include cameras, spectrometers, sensors, or experimental devices. Payload design is customized to suit specific research, communication, or imaging requirements.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of CubeSats involves several stages, from design to integration:

  1. Design and Simulation: Using CAD software, engineers design the satellite’s structure and components. Simulations are conducted to test thermal performance, structural integrity, and orbital behavior.
  2. Component Procurement: Standardized parts are sourced from suppliers, including solar panels, antennas, and electronic boards. This off-the-shelf approach significantly reduces costs and development time.
  3. Assembly: The CubeSat is assembled in cleanrooms to prevent contamination. Components are integrated into the satellite’s structure, with meticulous attention to wiring and connections.
  4. Testing: Rigorous testing ensures the satellite’s reliability. Thermal vacuum tests simulate the vacuum and temperature extremes of space, while vibration tests replicate launch conditions. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests ensure the satellite’s systems do not interfere with each other.
  5. Integration with Deployment System: The CubeSat is placed inside a deployer, such as the Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD), which protects it during launch and ensures safe deployment into orbit.

Launch and Orbit Deployment

CubeSats are typically launched as secondary payloads aboard larger rockets. This “rideshare” approach minimizes costs by sharing the launch vehicle with other missions.

Launch Equipment

  • Launch Vehicle: Rockets such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Rocket Lab’s Electron, and India’s PSLV are commonly used for CubeSat launches.
  • Deployer System: The P-POD or similar deployers ensure the safe release of CubeSats into their designated orbits. These systems use spring-loaded mechanisms to eject the satellite.

Orbit and Movement

CubeSats are often placed in low Earth orbit (LEO), at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1200 kilometers. This orbit is advantageous due to reduced launch costs, lower latency for communication, and easier access for Earth observation.

  • Orbital Maneuvering: Most CubeSats lack propulsion systems, relying on their initial deployment velocity and ADCS for orientation and stabilization. Advanced CubeSats may include miniature propulsion systems, such as cold gas thrusters or ion propulsion, for minor orbital adjustments.
  • Lifespan: The typical operational lifespan of CubeSats ranges from one to five years, depending on mission requirements and orbital decay rates.

End-of-Life Strategies

Once a CubeSat reaches the end of its operational life, it is decommissioned. Strategies for managing defunct CubeSats include:

  1. Natural Orbital Decay: CubeSats in LEO gradually lose altitude due to atmospheric drag and eventually burn up upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
  2. Controlled Deorbiting: Some CubeSats are equipped with deorbiting devices, such as drag sails, to expedite atmospheric reentry.
  3. Space Debris Mitigation: To comply with international guidelines, CubeSats are designed to minimize the creation of space debris by ensuring complete disintegration during reentry.

Ground Station Communication

The communication between CubeSats and ground stations is managed through specialized hardware and software systems:

  1. Ground Stations: Equipped with antennas, transceivers, and tracking systems, ground stations monitor the satellite’s position and receive data.
  2. Mission Control Software: Open-source platforms like COSMOS and proprietary systems are used to monitor and control CubeSats. These software tools facilitate real-time data visualization, command execution, and telemetry analysis.
  3. Communication Protocols: Data transmission often follows protocols such as AX.25 or CCSDS to ensure reliable communication.

 

The lifecycle of a CubeSat, from manufacturing to decommissioning, showcases the remarkable advancements in miniaturized space technologies. With their modular design, cost-effective manufacturing, and versatile applications, CubeSats have become an indispensable tool for space exploration, research, and communication. As technology continues to evolve, CubeSats are expected to play an even more significant role in expanding humanity’s reach into space.

 

The History and Technological Evolution of CubeSats

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The History and Technological Evolution of CubeSats

CubeSats, known as “Cube Satellites,” have become a significant part of space technology in recent years. These small-sized satellites are notable for their low cost and versatility. In this article, we will explore the history, development processes, purposes, and systems of CubeSats in detail.

The Birth of CubeSats

The concept of CubeSats was first introduced in 1999 by Prof. Bob Twiggs from Stanford University and Prof. Jordi Puig-Suari from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). The goal was to enable students to work on space technology projects more easily and affordably. Traditional satellite development often took years and required millions of dollars. In contrast, small-sized CubeSats provided a faster and cost-effective alternative.

The standard size of CubeSats was set at 10x10x10 centimeters (1U). By combining multiple units (2U, 3U, etc.), larger CubeSats could also be developed. These standardized sizes were designed to ensure compatibility with various platforms and reduce launch costs.

Early Developments

The first launches of CubeSats took place in 2003. During this period, CubeSats were primarily used by academic institutions, serving as a tool for students studying space technologies. However, over time, CubeSats caught the attention of commercial companies, government agencies, and military organizations, leading to broader adoption. In the early stages, institutions from the United States and Europe, in particular, spearheaded the development of this technology.

The Evolution of CubeSats

Initially, CubeSats were used solely for basic telemetry and communication tests. Over time, they were developed to perform more complex missions. This progress was driven by the miniaturization and increased efficiency of electronic components. Additionally, advancements in energy storage and power management technologies enhanced the versatility of CubeSats.

Today, CubeSats are used for a wide range of purposes. While earlier satellites focused on single functions, modern CubeSats can work together to form a large imaging or communication network. Especially with advancements in sensor technologies, CubeSats can now be utilized in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.

Applications

The applications of CubeSats are incredibly diverse, including:

  1. Education: CubeSats are used as a tool for students to understand and develop space technologies. Universities, in particular, prioritize this technology to give students hands-on experience in space exploration.
  2. Earth Observation: CubeSats provide low-cost Earth observation solutions, aiding agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.
  3. Telecommunications: The role of CubeSats in communication technologies is increasing. Supporting larger satellites, CubeSats are particularly important for providing internet access.
  4. Research and Development: Scientific experiments can be conducted more economically in space. CubeSats are frequently used for microgravity experiments and atmospheric measurements.
  5. Military and Defense: CubeSats offer low-cost intelligence and surveillance solutions and are used for strategic information gathering in military operations.

Technological Differences

There are significant differences between the early development of CubeSats and the present. In the beginning, CubeSats were used only for transmitting simple radio signals, whereas modern CubeSats are equipped with advanced imaging devices, GPS systems, and even artificial intelligence technologies. Today’s CubeSats have significantly improved energy efficiency, data transfer speeds, and lifespans.

Future Perspectives

The future of CubeSats looks exceptionally promising. More complex missions and longer lifespans in space are being targeted. Additionally, the idea of combining multiple CubeSats into “satellite swarms” offers broader coverage and more effective data collection. With the growing popularity of CubeSats, more innovations and solutions in this field are anticipated.

CubeSats are regarded as a revolutionary innovation in space technologies. With their historical development, economic and agile nature, this technology holds an important place in both academic and commercial fields. The complex capabilities they possess today signal even greater potential for the future. These small but effective satellites will continue to serve as a guiding tool for humanity seeking more information and connectivity in space.

 

Advantages of TUYAD Membership

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TUYAD is Turkey’s leading NGO in the Satellite, Telecommunication, Broadcasting and Electronics sectors. Having an effective place in the world with your brand will be even more possible by taking part in NGOs working in your field of expertise. Take part in the same platform with reputable companies.

 

Advantages of TUYAD Membership

 

TUYAD Membership offers you the following opportunities:

  • Become a member of sectoral associations; relevant committees will provide you with new business sources and the latest, most accurate information
  • Introduce your company LOGO and BRAND
  • Our members’ LOGO will be included in TUYAD’s annual brochure distributed in our sector in Turkey. In addition, the member logo will be published on the TUYAD website. Be open to public-private sector cooperation. Relevant web page: https://www.tuyad.org/institutional-members/

 

  • Ensure that your LOGO is included in all work carried out and is seen together with the leading companies in the sector,
  • Shape the future of the satellite communications sector and the areas in which it operates,
  • Work with the highest level of expertise to defend and protect the policy and regulatory needs of the sector,
  • Publish your new technologies or innovations on the TUYAD website and introduce your new products and services,
  • Join us to promote your projects, use cases, best practices and general business through TUYAD’s wide network. At least 2 member references are required for this.
  • Organize an introductory meeting to present your technologies and introduce your business to the Turkish market and TUYAD business network, support you to invite all members to attend the meeting,
  • Use the TUYAD office in Istanbul to organize your meeting there. Also use it to make presentations for your technologies and products.
  • TUYAD matches members who can develop business with each other, provides marketing connections between members and helps you mediate,
  • Have the opportunity to meet PUBLIC and PRIVATE sector representatives working in the telecommunications sector in Turkey and develop their business,
  • Have the opportunity to attend sector fairs and conferences organized by TUYAD with a 20% discount and have a stand,
  • Participate and speak on the most current issues at events organized by TUYAD,
  • Benefit from discounts to different events in the region as Tuyad is a partner of many important local and global events,
  • Members have the opportunity to exhibit their products and brochures at TUYAD stands at fairs organized in Turkey and other countries and hear the technical details of their products in our sector-specific magazine free of charge,
  • Members have the opportunity to receive satellite and electronics sector production and capacity reports,
  • Members have the opportunity to be together with other company representatives at TUYAD sector council meetings,
  • Members have the opportunity to meet with government officials and bureaucrats at various meetings and directly communicate their problems and solution suggestions, if any. In addition, to convey their problems to the highest authority of the state through TUYAD,
  • Members, receive TUYAD approval and recommendation certificate for the products they produce or import,
  • Members, use TKGS software by getting it approved free of charge in all TV groups.,
  • If they have new technologies, members can provide training at TUYAD Academy and ensure their recognition,
  • Receive GTIP determination and product certification services from our expert and legal department,

 

Be among us for all these business opportunities and B2B collaborations.

What Will Happen to Your Data Security in Case of a Disaster?

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“DATA LOSS CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS CAN BE PREVENTED WITH UNINTERRUPTED SATELLITE BROADBAND SOLUTIONS.”

In the age of communication, all trade data transfer and 98% of this data is done over the internet. Data transfer between two points is done most easily and economically with broadband cable or fiber internet. The fastest data transfer will mean good performance for businesses. Unfortunately, this communication is lost due to geographical ruptures and destructions in case of a DISASTER. All equipment connected to the earth is damaged and ceases to function. The solution is very distant areas from the earth, namely satellite communication systems.

All technologies that work without the internet, namely without the transfer of data, are shut down after a DISASTER. And it requires urgent action. This urgent action will take a very long time and will be difficult to physically implement in case of a DISASTER. Cables are broken, poles are torn down, roads are closed. However, gas stations should work, banks should continue their work and all AFAD officers should communicate with each other. For this reason, keep in mind that equipment installed on the globe will not work for a while. These systems can only be activated immediately if satellite broadband systems are put into operation as soon as possible.

At least 20% of the data lost during a disaster never comes back. Establishing the fastest communication will bring the least loss. Therefore, fast internet systems and VSAT applications should be kept ready. Now, it can be stored ready for a usable DISASTER moment and employees can be trained to activate these systems during a DISASTER.

If you do not have emergency VSAT kits to be activated, it means that an average of five days of data will be lost. This means that the information that will not come back will be lost due to precautions not taken in advance. When this period reaches ten days, that is, if a company of any size cannot access its data for ten days, it will cause irreparable problems and even bankruptcy may occur.

The cost of the VSAT systems to be stocked now is only the purchase cost of the product. You may not necessarily need to use capacity from the satellite. In the event of a DISASTER, all operators open emergency satellite internet capacity to the region with all possible means. The existence of the capacity in these satellites will turn into a benefit after the installation of the systems you have and the installation of broadband internet from the satellite.

TUYAD has been providing training on the installation and commissioning of VSAT satellite broadband systems since 2009 and has distributed 7000 training certificates to date. These trainings cover the installation and commissioning of systems. The training is provided on a voluntary basis and participants are given a VSAT satellite communication installation certificate in case of a disaster.

IS YOUR BUSINESS READY FOR A DISASTER?

As TUYAD; we provide training and prepare to put systems into operation. You can also stock VSAT systems and complete your personnel training to put them into operation in case of a DISASTER.

The general perception is that all important business data can never be recovered during a natural disaster or that clear information will no longer be available as before. This perception can only be eliminated by processing the data uninterruptedly and accessing the data uninterruptedly or as soon as possible.
Natural disasters pose a permanent and devastating threat to data, the biggest reason for data loss is the long-term interruption of access and the inability to update the data. Natural disasters are all factors that shake the globe regionally and cause physical destruction. The most important of these and the one that threatens our region the most is the earthquake threat. In the recent earthquake, it was observed that our companies were not ready for this destructive natural movement, banks, gas stations and all institutions were cut off from communication with each other, and data losses were at their peak.

Although we do not have specific data on which natural disasters cause the most data loss, we know that all disasters can occur in many different ways. Rain, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, severe storms, fires or avalanches will prevent short-term or long-term data communication. The biggest disaster, an earthquake, will cause data to be interrupted for a longer period of time and may cause data loss. The definitive solution is to have a satellite internet system ready and put it into operation as soon as possible.

Not only data security, but also the communication of public institutions, the provision of assistance, and the access of correct information to various institutions and organizations at the time of assistance will be possible with VSAT satellite systems.
Internet will be required for the processing of your data to the clouds and the information recalled, and this uninterrupted broadband internet will be provided by the satellite communication system thanks to the satellite dishes to be installed in any open area.
In a disaster, you should have a different plan than the current situation.
The protection of the physical structure will be possible only with satellite technologies in space, which will not cause any problems during a disaster.

VSAT satellite systems are a suitable technology for all professionals in our age. It is necessary to stock equipment and ensure that all employees are trained in putting this system into operation. As TUYAD, we have been providing this service free of charge since 2009. You can get detailed information about the subject by contacting the association center.

Hayrettin Özaydın
Chairman

TUYAD IS AT IBC ON SEPTEMBER 13-16!

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IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) is one of the world’s leading media, entertainment and technology events. This prestigious event held in Amsterdam brings together more than 43,000 participants from more than 170 countries, offering a unique connection platform for broadcasters, content owners, rights holders and service providers.

IBC offers the opportunity to discover the latest innovations and trends in the sector, while also showcasing the latest technologies in content production and distribution. The event offers participants the opportunity to collaborate with creative communities, technology experts and business leaders, exchange information and discover new business opportunities.

This year, we as TUYAD will be attending IBC, which will take place between September 13-16. We are waiting for you at our stand in Hall 1 – D91. Our stand is open to all our members and our sector. We aim to follow the latest developments in the sector and develop new collaborations by taking part in this dynamic environment.