Nanosatellite Technologies for Space Resiliency

用于空间弹性的纳米卫星技术

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-06322
• 负责人: Lee, Regina
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: York University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2020
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2020-01-01 至 2021-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=714959
• 关键词: Nanosatellite; Technologies; Space; Resiliency

There has been significant advancement in Nanosatellites (spacecraft with mass less than 10 kilograms) and nanosatellite constellation missions to utilize multiple satellites in a coordinated operation. In the near future, we envision nanosatellites in more challenging missions such as space surveillance and deep space exploration. Our research team develops nanosatellite technologies for advanced nanosatellites. In this Discovery program, we propose to extend the current research to examine three key areas that will enable large-scale constellation missions for space-based surveillance, autonomous operation and reconfigurable satellite systems. In the long run, we aim to introduce an efficient approach to engineer nanosatellites for space resiliency. Nanosatellite-scale star trackers (purpose-built cameras to image stars for attitude determination) are severely limited in various aspects including resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and image size. Processing their images to identify space debris (more generally, resident space objects or RSOs) would be a challenging task. We will examine the feasibility of the nanosatellite surveillance mission concept using a such commercial camera. If successful, there is real potential to substantially increase Canada's space surveillance capability. Secondly, several methodologies are proposed to provide autonomy in satellite operation, not only to avoid costly mission operation, but also to increase the efficiency of the space mission. We will extend the current mission planning technique to incorporate functions for fault identification and avoidance to provide robust and reliable operation scenario with minimum input from operators. Lastly, microsystems (more specifically Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, MEMS) technologies continue to play a key role in satellite engineering as they provide a unique tool to engineer various sensors, actuators, payloads and solar panels with low mass and power requirements. We will design MEMS control moment gyroscopes, on-chip Fiber optic gyroscopes and antennas for nanosatellites to further advance our understanding of changes associated with MEMS in space environment. All of these new components play an important role in developing robust nanosatellites to provide reconfigurability, flexibility, adaptability, and resiliency required for resilient space missions. The extension of nanosatellite functionality is important for the future of space engineering in Canada, as nanosatellites are rapidly emerging worldwide, and CubeSats (class of nanosatellites) are already recognized as a platform for monitoring Canada's large landmass, national security, weather forecasting and climate research. The expertise and knowledge gained through the proposed research will be transferred to our industry and government partners to expand Canada's nanosatellite capabilities for future civilian and military missions.

纳米卫星（质量小于 10 公斤的航天器）和纳米卫星星座任务在利用多颗卫星进行协调运行方面取得了重大进展。在不久的将来，我们设想纳米卫星能够执行更具挑战性的任务，例如太空监视和深空探索。我们的研究团队为先进的纳米卫星开发纳米卫星技术。在这个发现计划中，我们建议扩展当前的研究，以检查三个关键领域，这些领域将使大规模星座任务能够用于天基监视、自主操作和可重构卫星系统。从长远来看，我们的目标是引入一种有效的方法来设计纳米卫星，以实现空间弹性。 纳米卫星级星跟踪器（对恒星进行成像以确定姿态的专用相机）在分辨率、信噪比和图像尺寸等各个方面都受到严重限制。处理图像以识别空间碎片（更一般地说，常驻空间物体或 RSO）将是一项具有挑战性的任务。我们将研究使用此类商用相机的纳米卫星监视任务概念的可行性。如果成功，加拿大的太空监视能力确实有可能大幅提高。其次，提出了几种方法来提供卫星操作的自主性，不仅可以避免昂贵的任务操作，而且可以提高空间任务的效率。我们将扩展当前的任务规划技术，纳入故障识别和避免功能，从而以最少的操作员输入提供稳健可靠的操作场景。最后，微系统（更具体地说是微机电系统，MEMS）技术继续在卫星工程中发挥关键作用，因为它们提供了独特的工具来设计各种传感器、执行器、有效载荷和太阳能电池板，且质量和功率要求较低。我们将为纳米卫星设计MEMS控制力矩陀螺仪、片上光纤陀螺仪和天线，以进一步加深我们对MEMS在空间环境中相关变化的理解。所有这些新组件在开发强大的纳米卫星方面发挥着重要作用，以提供弹性太空任务所需的可重新配置性、灵活性、适应性和弹性。 纳米卫星功能的扩展对于加拿大空间工程的未来非常重要，因为纳米卫星在全球范围内迅速兴起，而立方体卫星（纳米卫星类）已被公认为监测加拿大大片陆地、国家安全、天气预报和气候研究的平台。通过拟议研究获得的专业知识和知识将转移给我们的行业和政府合作伙伴，以扩展加拿大的纳米卫星能力，以执行未来的民用和军事任务。