EU:CROPIS AIV Program: Challenges and Solutions for a Spin-Stabilized Satellite Containing Biology

Abstract

Eu:CROPIS is DLRs first mission of the Compact Satellite Program. Its primary payload focuses on the research of closed-loop biological, regenerative life support systems, in a simulated gravitational environment of Moon and Mars over months at a time. This is achieved by rotation of the satellite around its central body axis, using only magnetic torquers as actuators. A secondary payload (Power Cells) by NASA Ames Research Center also utilizes the artificial gravity to conduct growth experiments on genetically modified organisms (GMO). These payloads and the system design imposed constraints which affected the Assembly Integration and Verification (AIV) program in various ways and created challenges for the relatively small team to find solutions for. The paper to be presented will address the different aspects of the AIV program.