session 2 2 dr craig benson unsw canberra
TRANSCRIPT
The Buccaneer and Biarri Cubesat Missions
Dr Craig BensonUNSW Canberra
Buccaneer and Biarri missions in conjunction with DST Group
All comments are mine and do not represent DST Group
Cubesats and their ilk
• Cubesats, and other small satellites represent an opportunity for highly capable satellites to be launched with relatively low budgets and on short timelines
• As an outsider, the current cubesat architecture is outdated and wasteful. They could be lighter, more capable, more flexible and faster to launch
Planet Labs
Image: Planet Labs
Planet Labs92 imaging satellites in orbit
Rapid revisit
3-5m resolution imagery
Failures and attrition
Image: Planet Labs
Internet of Things
• Globalstar already offer simplex STX-3 modules for low cost global tracking and monitoring of assets (via large LEO satellites)
ADS-B and AIS tracking
• Monitoring of aircraft and ship beacons is a demonstrated capability with single PC-104 cards in cubesats
Images: GOM Space Images: GOM Space
GNSS Occultations for Ionosphere monitoring
GNSS Reflectrometry for ocean monitoring (esa.int)
Cubesat Launchers
• Traditionally, small-size satellites fly as secondary payloads on major launches– Launcher issues:
• Long lead time for integration• Qualification to minimise risk to main payload• Limited ability to influence orbit
– Not responsive
Rocket Lab
• 150kg to 500km sun-synchronous orbit• $5m/launch = $33k/kg
Image: Rocket Lab
Virgin Galactic
• 747 air launch• LOX/RP-1 2-stage rocket
Image: Virgin Galactic
DARPA SALVO/ALASA
• Twin programs for air launched light satellite to LEO – nominal 100lb for $1m
• ALASA canceled due to propellant instability
DARPA Artist Impression
Innovation• Most innovations will fail• Most companies will fail to make money• But launches will get:
– Cheaper– More flexible– More responsive– Less risk averse
• Responsive and affordable space access fits with modern innovation
• Space is about services to Planet Earth
UNCLASSIFIED
Project Biarri
Namuru GPS
Laser Tracker
Launch:• Risk mitigation: July 2016 October 2016• Main mission: 2017 – 2018
Formation Flying
Project BuccaneerUNCLASSIFIED
Launch:- • Risk Mitigation: January 2017• Main mission: 2018
Calibration measurements for JORN
Australian Involvement in Space
• Components for space assets are a global market, with niche suppliers
• Innovation is about using space to provide services to customers, not only telecoms and TV– Many new ventures will fly satellites, downlink data, and
supply the data to users (Planet Labs)• Australia has a large area where LEO satellites can
contain emissions solely with our territory– Can we offer expedited approval or special radio
downlink capabilities?