NanoSat technology has opened Earth orbit to extremely low-cost science missions through a common interface that provides greater launch accessibility. A natural question is the role that CubeSat-derived NanoSats could play to increase the science return of deep space missions. We do not consider single instrument nano-satellites as likely to complete entire Discovery-class missions alone, but believe that nano-satellites could augment larger missions to significantly increase science return. The key advantages offered by these mini-spacecrafts over previous planetary probes is the common availability of advanced subsystems that open the door to a large variety of science experiments, including new guidance, navigation and control capabilities. In this paper, multiple NanoSat science applications are suggested that could take advantage of these features. We also address the significant challenges and questions that remain as obstacles to the use of nano-satellites in deep space missions. Finally, we provide some thoughts on a development roadmap toward interplanetary usage of NanoSpacecraft.
Applications of Nanosats to Planetary Exploration
AIAA SPACE 2012 Conference & Exposition ; 2012 ; Pasadena, CA, United States
2012-09-11
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Keine Angabe
Englisch
APPLICATIONS OF NANOSATS TO PLANETARY EXPLORATION
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2012
|Applications of NanoSats to Small Body Exploration
AIAA | 2012
|SECTION VII: CUBESATS AND NANOSATS
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009
|Guidance, Navigation & Control for Nanosats
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999
|Exploring Our Solar System with CubeSats and NanoSats
NTRS | 2015
|