Emergence of Pico- and Nanosatellites for Atmospheric Research and Technology Testing

Miniaturized satellites are paving the way to a completely new era of faster and less expensive access to space by using smaller payloads. Pico- and nanosatellite activity has expanded greatly in the last decade, due in large part to activity within the university satellite community.

Emergence of Pico- and Nanosatellites for Atmospheric Research and Technology Testing describes the current state of this exciting technology and includes a variety of detailed examples that will help the reader identify appropriate analytical models, simulations, and technologies in the development of miniaturized satellite missions.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• University satellite design programs
• “CubeSat” missions
• Attitude determination and control systems
• Electrical power systems
• Command and data handling and telecommunication systems

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Describes the benefits of using pico- and nanosatellites, whose low cost allows a wide variety of missions by an expanded set of potential customers
• Explores emulation of complex systems in a space environment using an adaptive, reusable spacecraft concept
• Bridges the gap between theoretical spacecraft systems engineering and practical mechanics
• Includes a case study about the Illinois Observing Nanosatellite