Lunar Ice Cube: Development of a numerical model for attitude control

https://scholarworks.moreheadstate.edu/student_scholarship_posters/1008/thumbnail.jp

LunarCube: A Deep Space 6U CubeSat with Mission Enabling Ion Propulsion Technology

Busek, in partnership with Morehead State University (MSU), is developing a versatile 6U CubeSat platform nicknamed “LunarCube” that can undertake missions beyond LEO. The spacecraft can host a variety of science payloads, and its mission capability is highlighted by \u3e3km/s of delta-V maneuverability with a groundbreaking ion propulsion system heretofore unavailable to CubeSats. Salient features of this propulsion system include innovative use of solid iodine propellant and a 60W class mini RF ion thruster that is capable of 1.3mN thrust and 3250sec specific impulse (Isp). The primary objective of the LunarCube program is to support a deep space CubeSat mission to the Moon from GEO or a translunar trajectory (such as the SLS/EM-1 drop-off) and carry out a lunar science campaign as a technology demonstration of the platform. A secondary objective is to showcase that much of the spacecraft’s miniaturized avionics and power system can survive the harsh radiation environment. The LunarCube concept, especially its ion propulsion element, has received significant attention from the CubeSat user community targeting near-term lunar flights. In fact, the platform has already morphed into an EM-1 CubeSat mission known as “Lunar IceCube”, selected for flight by NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program

The Cosmic X-Ray Background NanoSat (CXBN): Measuring the Cosmic X-Ray Background using the CubeSat Form Factor

The CXBN mission goal is to significantly increase the Cosmic X-Ray Background measurement precision in the 30-50 keV range. The mission addresses a fundamental science question central to our understanding of the structure, origin, and evolution of the universe by potentially lending insight into the high energy background radiation. The CXBN spacecraft will map the Extragalactic Diffuse X-Ray Background (DXRB) with a new Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector. The DXRB measurement will pose a powerful tool for understanding the early universe and a window to the far-away universe. The science objectives were condensed into a novel spacecraft concept characterized by a sun-pointing, spinning spacecraft in LEO with moderate inclination. Launch trajectories allow four nominal passes per day over the primary Earth station at Morehead State University (Morehead, KY). The science mission requirements fortunately allow adoption of the economical CubeSat form factor. The major subsystems comprising the satellite are new —having been developed by the team. Innovative systems include power distribution, command and data handling, and attitude determination and control systems. The launch is scheduled for August 2012 from Vandenberg AFB through the NASA ELaNa program. CXBN was developed at low cost and on a highly constrained 12 month timeline