This article provides detailed equations for calculating the estimated time for re-entry of a CubeSat ... due to Earth's oblateness and atmospheric drag. NASA models and a spacecraft's initial conditions are used to calculate the decay of a CubeSat orbit.
In this report, risk perspectives of Class C and Class D (moderate and high-risk) programs are discussed ... and aligned with mission success expectations. Thermal test recommendations to achieve desired test effectiveness goals are provided along with the associated risks resulting from tailored thermal test parameters. Beyond providing cost-effective thermal test requirements applicable to many smallsat missions, this document provides extremely valuable context and data to support its recommendations and enable a detailed understanding of each test.
This paper compares two bake out processes for space instruments, the first being the "purged bakeout ... process" using nitrogen gas at ambient pressure, and the second being the traditional bake-out process with high-vacuum. It concludes that "bakeout in a vacuum oven with clean gas purging is equally efficient as the high-vacuum bakeout with TQCM monitor for those samples with simple geometry of the material". This demonstrates the viability of non-vacuum bake out for simpler assemblies, which can considerably reduce cost and complexity.
SMAD is a practical handbook for space mission engineering covering all aspects of a space system - from ... orbit and constellation design to operations. This section titled "Spacecraft Computer Systems" addresses computer system specifications, computer resource estimation, and computer system design for a notional satellite mission.
This journal paper discusses the endurance test performed on a field emission electric propulsion (FEEP) ... thruster in a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The test procedures, goals, and test parameters are thoroughly discussed along with results from the first set of data points. FEEP thrusters offer very low thrust capabilities but ultra-fine modulation capability with high accuracy.
Section 4 provides the formulas and process for estimating fatigue damage in solder joints for surface ... mount electronic components. This can be used to produce a spreadsheet or software tool to determine fatigue damage ratio (i.e. percent of the way to 50% probability of failure) for solder joints due to thermal cycling.
This resource provides an overview of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility ... (EMC) testing on integrated circuits (ICs) used in emerging technologies (e.g., 5G, IoT, etc.). Multiple test methods are discussed as well as the expected frequency range and modulation to ensure that the ICs will not only operate under a specific range of EMI, but that they will also not emit EMI that could damage other nearby ICs.
STK is a powerful tool for simulation and analysis of complex systems. This software tool can be used ... to effectively model several elements for a small satellite mission in a single simulation. The dynamics of ground vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, and other objects can be integrated in these mission models. To build upon the capabilities of the baseline tool, various add-on modules are available from AGI. Many third party tools also exist for integration with STK.
This conference paper presents a "scaled systems engineering approach to CubeSat missions implemented ... on a programmatically constrained mission." The authors present the concept of "constraint-driven design" and describe how this is different from the traditional top-down, requirements-driven space mission design process. Subsections address systems engineering, technical management, technical process, and operations.
This chapter covers "the initial process of selecting and defining a space mission." The process is presented ... in detail and includes flow diagrams, tables, definitions of key terms, and an instructive example. Note that this resource is not smallsat-specific and should be considered along with other smallsat-specific resources to develop an approach that is appropriate for the cost and schedule constraints of your mission.