A Multi Frequency Deployable Antenna System for Delfi-PQ

This paper presents the design of a multi-frequency deployable antenna system for femto-satellites as part of the Delfi-PQ project, a PocketQube with a size of 50x50x178 mm which is being developed by the Delft University of Technology. This new form factor brings its own challenges on every subsystem and it is seen as a stepping stone towards...

Getting the Delfi-PQ Ready for Multiple Launch Options

PocketQubes represent a new type of cube-shaped platforms with dimensions of 50x50 mm and mass of 250 g. Just like the CubeSats, these platforms are also split in units which are referred to as 1P. The Delft University of Technology has been working on Delfi-PQ, a 3P PocketQube with the dimensions of 50x50x178 mm. This miniaturized size brings...

Condititions and Potential Applications for PocketQubes

PocketQubes are a new form factor of highly miniaturized satellites with a body of one or more cubic units of 5 cm. The characteristics of PocketQubes in terms or legal and regulatory aspects, the technological readiness levels and financial considerations are assessed. In particular, an analysis of orbital decay characteristics has been carried...

Delfi-PQ: The first pocketqube of Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology has embarked on PocketQubes to showcase as the next class of miniaturized satellites. In the past decade, CubeSats have grown towards a successful business with mature capabilities. PocketQubes, however, are still in their infancy. The small size of the PocketQubes will trigger innovations in miniaturization and...

A New Approach on the Physical Architecture of CubeSats & PocketQubes

The dominant architectural approach in CubeSats and PocketQubes is the use of modular physical units, each hosting (part of the) components of classical (virtual) subsystems. Many of these small satellites, however, also host<br/>subsystems or experiments with slightly alternative approach, e.g. with cellularization of components or the...

A New Electrical Power System Architecture For Delfi-PQ

Due to strict constraint regarding the volume of a PocketQube (50x50x50 mm) it is crucial to reduce the space that is consumed by the satellite bus subsystems. This paper focuses on a new architecture for the electrical subsystem in order to reduce its volume and increase the usage of empty surfaces inside the satellite. This increment in volume...

Cubesats to pocketqubes: Opportunities and challenges

<b>In the last two decades, CubeSats have changed the perception of satellite missions aided by standardization and usage of commercial-off-the-shelf components. CubeSats have also proven the feasibility of low cost and short development time space missions. The PocketQube with a form factor of 5x5x5 cm has been...

Formation flying within a constellation of nano-satellites the QB50 mission

QB50 is a mission establishing an international network of 50 nano-satellites for multi-point, in-situ measurements in the lower thermosphere and re-entry research. As part of the QB50 mission, the Delft University of Technology intends to contribute two nano-satellites both being equipped with a highly miniaturized propulsion system in addition...

Design status of the Delfi-Next nanosatellite project

Delfi-Next is the second project within the Delfi nanosatellite development program of Delft University of Technology. It will provide students hands-on experience, facilitate technology demonstration for innovative miniaturized space technology from the Dutch space sector and allow advancements in satellite bus performance compared to its...

Advancing nano-satellite platforms: The Delfi Program

The Delfi Program aims to launch a nano-satellite every 2.5 years with the objectives to give the best education for space engineering, to test and qualify novel space technology and to enhance the nanosatellite platform to open doors for new applications. With Delfi-C3 in orbit, Delfi-n3Xt in development for a launch in 2010 and preliminary...