Design and Programmatic Opportunities for Small Satellite Missions Considering Recent Trends in Launch Vehicle Market

Kurzfassung

Spacecraft (S/C) design is often constrained by mass and size because of the major resulting launch costs associated with them. However, launch costs have been decreasing significantly in the last years, especially for small satellite missions. For some missions, the launch is now costing up to 80 % less than what was considered only a few years ago. This trend leads to the following research question: Which S/C design opportunities may arise from recent decreasing launch costs? This paper attempts to answer this question with a combined system analysis of S/C design aspects in combination with launch vehicle influence and cost trends. The analysis applies the design thinking method double diamond, which is utilized to structure ideas for analysis and new concepts. The paper explores and defines typical design drivers and in particular, the influence of LV on the design of S/C. In the second phase of the method the paper develops potential S/C design opportunities considering decreasing launch cost and improved launch options. From the range of presented approaches, three different scenarios of interest varying from slight to drastic modifications were selected to analyze further. In the next step, the analysis evaluates the benefit impact on three major aspects of payload performance, mission operation duration and the mission development schedule. Finally, the paper presents recommendations for spacecraft designers, such as potential additional standard components, which can also include non-monetary benefit considerations. One example is the addition or upgrade of a propulsion system for all satellites that would not only increase launch flexibility, but also address sustainability in space by addressing the issue of space debris mitigation.