Formation Flying Demonstration Missions Enabled by CanX Nanosatellite Technology

Two nanosatellite missions that lay the groundwork for satellite formation flying are being realized at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Space Flight Laboratory (UTIAS/SFL). Such an undertaking has never before been attempted with satellites of this size (\u3c 10 kg). These missions will establish the core technologies necessary for formation flying endeavours at any scale, while capitalizing on the low-cost nature and rapid design cycle of nanosatellites. The key technologies being developed for the nanosatellite missions are nanosatellite propulsion, centimeter-level position determination, and active, three-axis attitude control. The first mission, CanX-2, currently nearing completion, will evaluate the core subsystems listed above. Its planned launch is scheduled for mid-2006. CanX-2 will be followed by a dual satellite mission, CanX-4 and -5, to be launched in 2008, that will build upon the experience gained from CanX-2 and demonstrate actual formation flying. This paper describes the design of CanX-2 and the practical lessons learned to date that can be applied to CanX-4 and -5. The objectives and preliminary mission profile for CanX-4 and -5 are also outlined

Canadian Advanced Nanospace Experiment 2: On-Orbit Experiences with a Three-Kilogram Satellite

The objective of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment (CanX) program is to develop highly capable “nanospacecraft,” or spacecraft under 10 kilograms, in short timeframes of 2-3 years. CanX missions offer low-cost and rapid access to space for scientists, technology developers, and operationally responsive missions. The Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) has developed the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment 2 (CanX-2) nanosatellite that launched in April 2008. CanX-2, a 3.5-kg, 10 x 10 x 34 cm satellite, features a collection of scientific and engineering payloads that push the envelope of capability for this class of spacecraft. The primary mission of CanX-2 is to test and demonstrate several enabling technologies for precise formation flight. These technologies include a custom cold-gas propulsion system, a 30 mNms nanosatellite reaction wheel as part of a three-axis stabilized momentum-bias attitude control system, and a commercially available GPS receiver. The secondary objective of CanX-2 is to fly a number of university experiments including an atmospheric spectrometer. At the time of writing CanX-2 has been in orbit for three weeks and has performed very well during preliminary commissioning. The mission, the engineering and scientific payloads, and the preliminary on-orbit commissioning experiences of CanX-2 are presented in this paper

Canadian Advanced Nanospace Experiment 2 Orbit Operations: One Year of Pushing the Nanosatellite Performance Envelope

The objective of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment (CanX) program is to develop highly capable nanospacecraft, i.e. spacecraft under 10 kilograms, in short timeframes of 2-3 years. CanX missions offer low-cost and rapid access to space for scientists, technology developers and operationally-responsive missions. The Space Flight Laboratory (SFL), at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) has developed the CanX-2 nanosatellite that launched in April 2008. CanX-2, a 3.5-kg, 10 x 10 x 34 cm satellite, features a collection of scientific and engineering payloads that push the envelope of capability for this class of spacecraft. The primary mission of CanX-2 is to test and demonstrate several enabling technologies for precise formation flight. These technologies include a custom cold-gas propulsion system, a 30 mN·m·s nanosatellite reaction wheel as part of a three-axis stabilized Y thomson-configuration attitude control subsystem, and a commercially available GPS receiver. The secondary objective of CanX-2 is to perform a number of university experiments including an atmospheric spectrometer. After one successful year in orbit, the nanosatellite has met or exceeded all mission objectives and continues to demonstrate the cost-effective capabilities of this class of spacecraft. Key achievements to date include a characterization of the propulsion system, a full demonstration of the attitude determination and control subsystem including capabilities in accurate payload pointing (including nadir-tracking) and orbit-normal alignment, long-duration reaction wheel operation, unprecedented radio performance for an operational nanosatellite, and successful science operations. The mission, the engineering and scientific payloads, and a discussion of notable orbit achievements and experiences of CanX-2 are presented in this paper

Connections & Edges: 2040 Lincoln District Vision Plan

The Lincoln Vision Plan presents a concept for the evolution of Portland’s south downtown into a place where state-of-the-art resource management practices, unique systems of public open spaces, and a variety of transit options will support a vibrant, dynamic, high density, ecologically-friendly neighborhood. It is our hope that this Plan, created by Portland State University’s spring 2008 Urban Design Workshop, can serve as a foundation for further discussion and action to bring to life the immense potential underlying this district. This project was conducted under the supervision of Donald J. Stastny and Edward Starkie

AISSat-1 Early Results

AISSat-1 was launched on July 12, 2010 and is believed to be the first high performance nano-satellite to provide an observational service to governmental authorities. The primary mission objective is to perform maritime observation in the Norwegian High North and High South, thereby making a considerable contribution to the maritime situational awareness (MSA) of these areas. The satellite is built, tested and prepared for flight by the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS/SFL), and is based on the 20 cm cube Generic Nano-satellite Bus (GNB). UTIAS/SFL also handled the launch of AISSat-1 by an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from southern India. The payload is an AIS receiver developed and manufactured by Kongsberg Seatex AS, Trondheim Norway. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kjeller Norway developed the AISSat-1 mission concept and has been responsible for managing the project and for testing and preparing the AIS payload for flight. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime vessels was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance the safety of life at sea (SOLAS). Vessels greater than 300 gt or carrying 12 or more passengers are broadcasting AIS messages on two channels in the maritime VHF band on regular basis to neighboring vessels for collision avoidance, and also to shore stations for vessel traffic services (VTS). AISSat-1 is designed to receive these AIS messages in space, and to forward the messages to the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA), with the aim to extend the range of the Norwegian ground based AIS network to also cover ocean areas at the high seas. Some early results from AISSat-1 presented here clearly demonstrate that a low cost high performance nano-satellite can provide excellent and much needed maritime observation information to government authorities

AISSat-1 Early Results

AISSat-1 was launched on July 12, 2010 and is believed to be the first high performance nano-satellite to provide an observational service to governmental authorities. The primary mission objective is to perform maritime observation in the Norwegian High North and High South, thereby making a considerable contribution to the maritime situational awareness (MSA) of these areas. The satellite is built, tested and prepared for flight by the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS/SFL), and is based on the 20 cm cube Generic Nano-satellite Bus (GNB). UTIAS/SFL also handled the launch of AISSat-1 by an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from southern India. The payload is an AIS receiver developed and manufactured by Kongsberg Seatex AS, Trondheim Norway. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kjeller Norway developed the AISSat-1 mission concept and has been responsible for managing the project and for testing and preparing the AIS payload for flight. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime vessels was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance the safety of life at sea (SOLAS). Vessels greater than 300 gt or carrying 12 or more passengers are broadcasting AIS messages on two channels in the maritime VHF band on regular basis to neighboring vessels for collision avoidance, and also to shore stations for vessel traffic services (VTS). AISSat-1 is designed to receive these AIS messages in space, and to forward the messages to the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA), with the aim to extend the range of the Norwegian ground based AIS network to also cover ocean areas at the high seas. Some early results from AISSat-1 presented here clearly demonstrate that a low cost high performance nano-satellite can provide excellent and much needed maritime observation information to government authorities