Optimization of Platform/Payload Mass and Power Ratio for a Small Satellite
Abstract
The ideal satellite platform weighs almost nothing, consumes almost nothing, and offers many kilos and many watts to its payload. The paper will discuss about the optimization of the mass, and power ratio between a platform and its payload, together with cost aspects. When CNES decided to initiate standard micro and mini platforms , one of the potential drawbacks was the fact that a standard platform is never optimized for all missions in term of mass, power and performances due to various payloads needs and constraints linked to each mission. The paper will first present the situation for the two CNES current platform product lines based on past experience. It will then address the improvements that are or could be envisaged for future small platforms development. For each functional chain, mass and power saving will be discussed as well as equipment miniaturization and efficiency improvements through on going or future R and D activities.Finally, a global estimation of the target mass and power ratio for an optimised platform is given for the next generation of small platforms.
- Publication:
-
4S Symposium Small Satellites Systems and Services
- Pub Date:
- August 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008ESASP.660E..84B