Abstract
PocketQubes are a new form factor of highly miniaturized satellites with a body of one or more cubic units of 5 cm. The characteristics of PocketQubes in terms or legal and regulatory aspects, the technological readiness levels and financial considerations are assessed. In particular, an analysis of orbital decay characteristics has been carried out which together with existing space law suggest that PocketQubes should preferably be launched in very low Earth orbits below 500 km altitude. To make PocketQubes attractive platforms, not only the launch cost, but also the development, production and operations cost should be significantly lower than CubeSats . Due to technical constraints, such as form factor, power and attitude control, the domain of applications is, especially for single PocketQube mission constrained. Still, they can act as low cost training or technology demonstration platforms. When launched in high numbers, networks of PocketQubes can enable new applications for Earth observation and niche communication services. Applications considered feasible are in the field of (but not limited to) continuous surveillance using optical instruments, gravity field monitoring using precise orbit determination, in-situ measurements of the space environment and low data rate or bandwidth communication services.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings Small Satellites, System & Services Symposium (4S) |
Subtitle of host publication | Sorrento, Italy, 2018 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Event | 4S 2018: Small Satellites, System & Services Symposium - Sorrento, Italy Duration: 28 May 2018 → 1 Jun 2018 https://atpi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/4s2018/4s |
Conference
Conference | 4S 2018: Small Satellites, System & Services Symposium |
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Abbreviated title | 4S 2018 |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Sorrento |
Period | 28/05/18 → 1/06/18 |
Internet address |
Bibliographical note
Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-careOtherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.