A Unique 16U CubeSat Architecture for 1.5m GSD Commercial Earth Observation

Satellite operators frequently use 3U and 6U CubeSats for Earth Observation (EO) applications. These nanosatellites do have a few challenges when addressing the needs of the commercial EO sector: ✔the demand for more spatial, spectral and radiometric detail ✔the long term reliability of the satellite bus, and ✔accuracy of the satellite imagery. This poster introduces a 16U CubeSat architecture to address these challenges by optimizing the imaging payload to fit in a 12U volume and the satellite bus within a 4U volume

Feasibility of the PowerPc 603ETM for a LEO satellite on-board computer

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: For space designs, just as for terrestrial applications, the appetite for more computing power is virtually insatiable. Further, like portable applications, space use implies severe power constraints. Among currently available commercial processors, the PowerPC family ranks high in Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS) per watt, but its suitability for space applications outside low-earth orbits (LEOs) may be limited by the radiation environment, particularly single ev nt effects (SEE). This thesis covers the feasibility of using the PowerPC 603e™ processor for LEO satellite applications. The PowerPC architecture is well established with an excellent roadmap, which makes for a baseline microprocessor with long-term availability and excellent software support. The evaluation board design leverages Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies, allowing early integration and test. It provides a clear path to upgrades and provides a high performance platform to suit multiple missions.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die soeke na rekenaars met hoer werkverrigting sal nooit ophou rue. Dit geld vir beide rekenaars op aarde as satelliet aanboord rekenaars. Rekenaars vir ruimte gebruik word ook streng drywingsbeperkings opgele. Die PowerPC familie vergelyk baie goed met ander verwerkers, maar hul bruikbaarheid vir ruimte toepassings kan dalk beperk word tot lae wentelbane waar die ruimte radiasie omgewing meer toeganklik is. Die skrywe behandel die bruikbaarheid van die PowerPC 603e verwerker vir lae wentelbaan satelliet gebruik. Die welgestelde argitektuur, bekombaarheid en uitstekende sagte- _ ware ondersteuning verseker 'n standvastige fondasie. Kornmersiele komponente het voorkeur geniet in die hardeware ontwerp wat spoedige ontwikkeling sowel as aanpasbaarheid verseker. Die ontwerp bied 'n hoe werkverrigting en maklik opgradeerbare oplossing vir 'n groot verskeidenheid gebruike