This thesis provides a detailed review of testing, failures, and costs of CubeSat programs and how strategies ... can be improved to ensure smallsat mission success. It focuses on how to develop low-cost CubeSats with reduced risk by implementing a design and build strategy along with thorough testing.
This conference paper presents what the authors describe as the "most useful of roughly 100 methods, ... processes, technologies, and programs for achieving dramatic reductions in space mission cost." This guidance is broken down into nine categories: Attitude, Personnel, Programmatic, Government/Customer, Systems Engineering, Mission, Launch, Spacecraft Technology, and Operations. The tables presented throughout this article allow for quick access to the key takeaways from each section.
Satellites experience large shocks during separation from the launch vehicle. This article details a ... methodology for estimation of the shock response spectrum (SRS) due to satellite separation and makes comparisons to experimental data to validate the simulated results. This provides a valuable example of application of test data to validation of shock simulation results and presents a method for estimating the SRS imposed on a small satellite upon separation.
These slides from NASA Ames Research Center discuss the use of Consumer Off The Shelf (COTS) parts for ... Class D missions. Their philosophy on COTS use, selection strategy, design approach, and more are given. Trades between mission risk and mission cost are discussed. The author argues that careful COTS EEE part use can maintain reliability with major cost savings - a valuable combination for smallsats.
A 3D CAD tool used for advanced radiation dose analysis and shielding optimization of electronic components ... on spacecraft. The software tool is composed of multiple modules such as the radiation CAD interface, ray tracing calculation, and the scripting module. This subscription-based tool can be purchased on an annual basis and provides a wide range of radiation analysis capabilities.
Cost and schedule pressures that becoming more often a part of smallsat development has led many developers ... to debate the costs and benefits of thermal vacuum testing. This resource takes a deeper dive into this question to determine just how valuable thermal vacuum testing is.
This chapter describes “procedures and program management techniques that lead to reduced spacecraft ... cost.” Note that what is presented here is one experienced leader's approach to low-cost spacecraft development. Other approaches exist, but this is a valuable and concisely presented example. Some of the recommended practices in this chapter can lead to well-reasoned removal or de-scoping of design reviews.
This journal article discusses the utility of designing reuseable flight-control software to mitigate ... risk of failure. It provides an overview of a specific educational CubeSat mission presents a design approach to developing cost-effective and reliable flight software.
The contents of this resource are the results of the National Research Council's Panel on Small Spacecraft ... Technology's review of NASA's technology development program for small spacecraft. Chapter 5 provides a concise review of common smallsat materials and their advantages and disadvantages. Structural and cost considerations are given.
This NASA Handbook is an extremely detailed source of technical knowledge regarding high reliability ... electrical and electronic component parts. Cost factors, screening techniques, radiation effects, derating, failure mechanisms, and much more is discussed.