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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
This microgravity parabolic flight will serve to verify the mechanical and controlled functionality of a dual-spinning CubeSat bus (2U bus attached to a 1U payload via a rotating scanning assembly). This is a student-led effort whose assembly features a custom design that integrates a motor, bearing, slipring, motor controller, and encoder. The control algorithms are likewise developed by students. The application of this dual-spinning bus is in the development of a novel platform for 1U CubeSat payloads. It enables and enhances Earth-observing missions with instruments that require periodic rotation to operate. The first use of this proposed technology is the MicroMAS (Micro-sized Microwave Atmospheric Sounder) CubeSat developed by MIT and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Presentation (2015): Microwave Radiometer instrument
Paper (2013): MicroMAS: A First Step Towards a Nanosatellite Constellation for Global Storm Observation
Problem Statement
This experiment addresses the need for more capable and enabling Earth sensor platforms on a nano-satellite scale. Our dual-spinning CubeSat consists of a 2U bus and 1U payload. The bus contains all the subsystems necessary for satellite operation (power, communications, avionics, attitude determination and control, and thermal). It houses a scanning assembly, which allows the payload to rotate with respect to the bus. This scanning assembly contains a slipring to accommodate the electrical interface between the payload and bus. The attitude control system is designed to keep the bus 3-axis stabilized for a 60 rpm rotation rate of a 1 kg payload.
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