Technology-Driven Design of a Scalable Small Satellite Platform

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach in satellite platform design. While traditionally the design of technology demonstration- or scientific missions is driven by the requirements of the payload, the focus of our approach lies on using avionics technologies developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as the core components of the satellite bus. These components will then drive the design of the Small Satellite Technology Platform, in short S2TEP. This methodology change towards a technology-driven approach results from the long-term goals identified for future in-house space missions, as there are a cost effective platform design, a shorter development time, short-term design adaptions and the ability to carry out own research and development activities which lead to a deeper design understanding. The accomplishment of these goals also requires a change within the satellite's model philosophy, a new development process and a flexible and highly autonomous ground segment. The first instantiation of the S2TEP platform will be a satellite in the micro-satellite class. During this project the needed avionics technologies will be further developed up to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) mature enough to be integrated in the flight model for the first mission. By separating mission- and bus-development it is ensured that the payload does not influence the bus design too much. Though, a reference mission will be designed to set an interface to and an envelope for possible payloads. The DLR avionics technologies to be used for the S2TEP core avionics consist of the Onboard Computer (OBC), the Power Condition and Distribution Unit (PCDU) and the Transceiver-unit. All of these components are designed taking scalability into account - concentrating not only on performance parameters but also on quality aspects, like the migration path for all used electronic parts towards space qualification. Taking the OBC as an example, the scalability up to the next higher class of satellites will be presented within this paper.