CubeSat constellation deployment strategies

Christophe Vakaet, Alessandra Menicucci

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

CubeSat based constellations are limited by launch opportunities, manoeuvring, and reliability. In this paper, an approach is proposed to determine the performance of a constellation, using different deployment strategies. Due to low maneuverability and limited launch options, CubeSats require deployment strategies that determine the optimal launch method and maneuvers to ensure rapid deployment, and replacement in case of failure. To do so, a model is developed that applies a Monte Carlo method through repeated sampling of the satellite lifetimes. By simulating discrete realizations of the constellation, over the mission lifetime, the probability distribution of the strategies performance is derived. By comparing deployment strategies, the model can be used to design for the optimal deployment strategy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUniversity Satellite Missions and Cubesat Workshop, 2017
PublisherUnivelt Inc.
Pages413-419
Number of pages7
Volume163
ISBN (Print)9780877036470
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
Event4th IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions and Cubesat Workshop - Palazzo Rospigliosi, Roma, Italy
Duration: 4 Dec 20177 Dec 2017
Conference number: 4

Conference

Conference4th IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions and Cubesat Workshop
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRoma
Period4/12/177/12/17

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