Feasibility of microminiature satellites
Abstract
A conceptual study is conducted on technical problems and system design techniques to accomplish higher performance microminiature satellites by smaller systems. Applications of microminiature satellite technology to practical satellite mission are mentioned. Concepts of microminiature satellites, measures to miniaturize satellites, and micro-miniaturization technologies for communication and data processing, electric solar power paddle, attitude and orbit control, structure, thermal control, propulsion, and instrumentation systems are outlined. Examples of miniaturizing satellite missions such as planet exploration, low-altitude communication networks, space positioning system, low-altitude earth observation mission, clustered satellites, tethered satellites, and timely observation are described. Satellite miniaturizing technology can also be used to launch systems by lasers, and superconductive linear catapults (space escalator). It is pointed out that keys to promote satellite miniaturization are electronics, precision machining, raw material, electric power source technologies, and system design technology to integrate those technologies.
- Publication:
-
Future Space Activities Workshop
- Pub Date:
- July 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991fsa..workV....I
- Keywords:
-
- Artificial Satellites;
- Japanese Spacecraft;
- Microinstrumentation;
- Microminiaturized Electronic Devices;
- Miniature Electronic Equipment;
- Satellite Design;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Spacecraft Equipment;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Communication Equipment;
- Cooling Systems;
- Microminiaturization;
- Mission Planning;
- Propulsion System Configurations;
- Satellite Attitude Control;
- Solar Cells;
- Spacecraft Power Supplies;
- Spacecraft Structures;
- Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance