The Delfi-n3Xt nanosatellite: Space weather research and qualification of microtechnology

The Delfi-n3Xt nanosatellite: Space weather research and qualification of microtechnology

De Jong, S.
Maddox, E.
Vollmuller, G.J.
Schuurbiers, C.A.H.
Van Swaaij, R.A.C.M.M.
Ubbels, W.J.
Hamann, R.J.

Aerospace Engineering

Space Engineering

2008-09-01

The Delfi-C3 nanosatellite successor, Delfi-n3Xt, is currently under development at Delft University of Technology and scheduled for launch in the first half of 2010. This improved three-unit CubeSat platform allows novel technology qualification for future small satellites and innovative scientific research. The platform is improved by implementing a high-speed downlink, three-axis stabilization and a single-point-failure free implementation of batteries in the electrical power subsystem. Apart from giving a description of the three main advancements, this paper also gives an overview of the five payloads: A microsystems technology based cool gas micropropulsion module, a multifunctional particle spectrometer, a set of hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells, an efficient transceiver module for nanosatellites, and a memory unit based on low-cost commercial grade ash memory cards with innovative radiation protection electronics. Although the accommodation of the five payloads in a nanosatellite of only (10 x 10 x 34) cm is ambitious, this paper shows feasibility and proves that nanosatellites are powerful instruments for the qualification of novel technology and innovative scientific research.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5a8cbf12-bdf4-4903-bbca-cab8b06e2ea1

9781615671601

59th International Astronautical Congress: IAC 2008, 29 September-3 October 2008, Glasgow, Scotland

Institutional Repository

conference paper

(c) 2008 The Author(s)
International Astronautical Federation