Among the main trends of the new space economy, miniaturisation makes it possible to build mass-produced or customised spacecraft at a reduced price compared to older technologies; it encourages technological innovation, as in-space technology demonstrations are easier in cost, design, and legal and compliance aspects. In this context, the J2050 project has been selected by the European Space Agency to develop and launch their 2p PocketQube in the framework of the 4th cycle of the hands-on “Fly Your Satellite!” programme; this is the first cycle that included the possibility to launch fractions of CubeSats. The current PocketQube configuration includes three main payloads: a miniaturised debris detector, an optical dimming system for cameras and telescopes, and a system for attitude determination and pointing consisting of LEDs and photodiodes. The three payloads will be integrated on board a platform fully designed and produced by the students, from electronic boards to the software and mechanical interfaces. This will also enable the team to achieve its main educational goal, preparing the next generation of space engineers. In this paper, the specifics of the PocketQube, the design process, the resource management aspect, manufacturing, integration, testing, and outreach activities undertaken by the team will be described.
The J2050 student PocketQube for space debris investigation and optical observation technology development
Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium (4S 2024) ; 2024 ; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Proc. SPIE ; 13546
2025-03-20
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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