CubeSat constellation deployment strategies

Conference paper (2018)

Authors

A. Menicucci Space Systems Egineering
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2018 Christophe Vakaet, A. Menicucci
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Published Date

01-01-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

CubeSat based constellations are limited by launch opportunities, manoeuvring, and reliability. In this paper, an approach is proposed to determine the performance of a constellation, using different deployment strategies. Due to low maneuverability and limited launch options, CubeSats require deployment strategies that determine the optimal launch method and maneuvers to ensure rapid deployment, and replacement in case of failure. To do so, a model is developed that applies a Monte Carlo method through repeated sampling of the satellite lifetimes. By simulating discrete realizations of the constellation, over the mission lifetime, the probability distribution of the strategies performance is derived. By comparing deployment strategies, the model can be used to design for the optimal deployment strategy.

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