Low-cost small satellite system for electro-dynamic tether demonstration mission

Yoshihiro Tsuruda, Michael A. Shoemaker, Shunsuke Onishi, Tetsuo Yasaka, Toshiya Hanada, Jozef C. Van Der Ha

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Electro-Dynamic Tether (EDT) system is being studied and developed in some agencies or universities as one of the active debris removal applications for debris mitigation. The EDT system can provides a useful de-orbiting function. However, on-orbit validation of the tether deployment system and the electron emitting device is required. In this context, Kyushu University has started the design of a small satellite for an EDT demonstration mission. This design is based on QSAT which is been developed in Kyushu University. QSAT is a low-cost 50-kg class small satellite system and established a general-purpose satellite based on the original unit concept and the distributed processing concept. Essentially, all of the subsystem components consist of COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) units. These key features allow the low-cost development and the on-orbit demonstration. This system satisfies the piggy-back conditions of the Japanese H-IIA launcher. In this paper, we introduce the system characteristics for the EDT demonstration mission and explain the benefits of overall system design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009
Pages3701-3710
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2009
Event60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009 - Daejeon, Korea, Republic of
Duration: Oct 12 2009Oct 16 2009

Publication series

Name60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009
Volume5

Other

Other60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CityDaejeon
Period10/12/0910/16/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Low-cost small satellite system for electro-dynamic tether demonstration mission'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this