CubeSat
Overview
A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized satellite for space research that is made up of multiples of 10×10×10 cm cubic units. CubeSats have a mass of no more than 1.33 kilograms per unit, and often use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components for their electronics and structure.
History
The CubeSat concept originated in the late 1990s at Stanford University and California Polytechnic State University. The aim was to enable graduate students to be able to design, build, test and operate in space a spacecraft with capabilities similar to that of the first spacecraft, Sputnik. The CubeSat, as initially proposed, did not set out to become a standard; rather, it became a standard over time, as the community recognized the utility of the form factor.
Design
CubeSats are built to standard dimensions (Units or “U”) of 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm. They can be 1U, 2U, 3U, or 6U in size, and typically weigh less than 1.33 kg per U. CubeSats are most commonly put in orbit by deployers on the International Space Station (ISS), or launched as secondary payloads on a launch vehicle.
Subsystems
CubeSats have many subsystems—perhaps even more than most satellites. They are usually powered by solar panels and batteries. They have onboard computers, or Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystems, to control the mission. They have communications subsystems to perform telemetry and command & control, and they have an attitude control system (ACS) to orient the satellite in space.
Applications
CubeSats have been built and launched for a wide range of applications. The majority of them are used for scientific research, technology demonstration, educational activities and amateur radio. Other uses include Earth observation, astronomy, meteorology and biology.
Launch and Deployment
CubeSats are commonly launched to space as secondary payloads on a launch vehicle, using a deployment device like the Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) developed by California Polytechnic State University. CubeSats can also be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) via the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD).
Regulations and Licensing
CubeSats, like all satellites, require a license to be launched. This license is granted by the national regulatory authority of the country where the CubeSat was built. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for licensing the launch and operation of all American satellites, including CubeSats.
Future Developments
The future of CubeSats looks promising. With the miniaturization of technology and the reduction in costs, more and more capabilities can be packed into a small satellite. CubeSats are also becoming more popular in commercial applications, such as remote sensing or satellite communications.