Category: Satellite Applications

Paper: CubeSat Mission From Design to Operation (2019)

This paper discusses the structured life-cycle of a CubeSat project, using as a reference the authors’ recent experience of developing and operating a 2U CubeSat, called qbee50-LTU-OC, as part of the QB50 mission. This paper also provides a critique of some of the current poor practices and methodologies while carrying out CubeSat projects.

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US Space Force Programs: Space Prime

The first Space Prime effort, Orbital Prime will invigorate the OSAM market using Active Debris Remediation (ADR) as a use case for the foundational technologies. As congestion and debris threaten the long-term sustainability of the space domain, Orbital Prime will transition agile, affordable, and accelerated OSAM space capabilities to build the foundation for space logistics while preserving the global commons. On-orbit capability will be demonstrated on an accelerated timeline in two to four years.

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Orbital Satellites and Their Use of GPS

Global Positioning System, or GPS, has evolved from a simple navigation system into a sophisticated tool with numerous applications in various sectors. One intriguing area where GPS is making a significant impact is the operation of orbital satellites. Despite the common misconception that satellites simply “provide” GPS, many satellites, especially those in low Earth orbit, also utilize GPS signals for their functionality.

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Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project

The Caltech Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) launched a demonstrator platform into space on January 3, 2023. The purpose of the platform is to test three key elements of their plan to develop a constellation of modular spacecraft that collect solar power and beam the energy back to Earth: DOLCE, which will test the design and deployment mechanisms for a lightweight, foldable structure that supports the solar panels and power transmitters; ALBA, testing the efficiency and robustness of different types of photovoltaic (P) cells; and MAPLE, a flexible array of microwave power transmitters with precise timing control capable of transmitting power precisely and efficiently. If successful, space solar power would be a pipeline to a constant and practically unlimited supply of energy.

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Report: Integrating Earth Observations into the Formulation and Implementation National Adaptation Plans – Agriculture and Food Security (GEO 2022)

This report addresses EO solutions to agriculture and food security-related challenges, which will help countries with practical guidance and opportunities to drive the implementation of their adaptation agenda, based on the experience of the GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) initiative.

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