Integrated Research Platform for Affordable Satellites

Abstract

To persist in the future of space business low cost satellites, which can be produced in high quantities in less time, are mandatory. In the project IRAS (Integrated Research platform for Affordable Satellites), new technologies are investigated and developed to significantly lower the cost and production time for satellite components. To achieve this, additive manufacturing techniques using polymeric, metallic, and ceramic materials are combined with multifunctional and bionic structures, resulting in lightweight, cost-efficient and integrated structures. Advanced propulsion technologies are also considered within this project as well as the implementation of off-the shelf components from other sectors such as automotive electronics. In addition, a Digital Concurrent Engineering Platform (DCEP) is under development, enabling engineers to jointly develop satellites in a novel way without the need for physical proximity. This paper presents the concepts and current developments in these fields and details how new technologies can be combined to develop multifunctional structures such as the integration of cables directly into additively manufactured satellite structures. These new developments are integrated in the technology demonstrator satellite missions SOURCE, a CubeSat which passed the preliminary design review in the beginning of 2019, and a microsat OREUS.