QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Orbital Decay Accelerator: A case of QSAT-EOS

＊Shunsuke Onishi (Kyushu University)

Kunihiro Funakoshi (Insitute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc.)

Shoji Nakajima (Ryokeiso CO., Ltd.)

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Contents

• Background

– Research issues for space debris

– Objectives

– QSAT-EOS project

• Drag augmentation device

• In-situ debris-measurement device

• Conclusions

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QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Background

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QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Research issues for space debris

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• Active / Passive space debris removal 1. Reduction

• Detecting the size and density of space debris 2. Detection

• Predicting the orbital space debris environment in the future

3. Modeling

• Preventing damage from space debris impacts

4. Protection

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Objectives

• Activities of QSAT-EOS project for research issues

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1. Reduction: Drag augmentation device → De-orbiting within 25 years

2. Detection: In-situ debris-measurement device → Detecting small space debris

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

QSAT-EOS project

• Mass: 50kg

• Size: 50cm cube

• Launch expected within 2012

• Development in Kyushu area

– 4 Universities

– Regional industries

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QSAT-EOS Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Drag augmentation device

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QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

How to de-orbit?

• Cross-section area is enlarged by deploying film

• Orbit decays due to the atmospheric drag

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During operations After mission completion

3 m

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

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• Simplicity

• Compactness

• Low weight

• Low cost

Micro thruster1) Electrodynamic tether3) Inflatable balloon2)

Existing de-orbiting devices

1) Note: From Masato Tanaka et al.: “Flowfield Calculation of Electrothermal Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Nano-Satellite PROITERES”, ISTS, 2011.

2) Note: From Shinichi Nakasuka et al.: “Simple and Small De-orbiting Package for Nano-Satellites Using an Inflatable Balloon”, ISTS, 2008.

3) Note: From Satomi Kawamoto et al.: “Control Technologies Required for Electrodynamic Tethers and Active Debris Removal”, ISTS, 2009.

Design concept

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Orbital life

• Initial orbit: Typical sun synchronous orbit

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Without drag augmentation device

Lifetime : 60 years With drag augmentation device

Lifetime : 21 years

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Overview of flight model

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Extension boom assembly

Lock mechanism for

extension boom assembly

Foiled film

Lock mechanism for foiled film

QSAT-EOS -Z Panel

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Overview of Deployment

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3 m 2

1

3

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Extension boom assembly

• Developed 2 types

• CFRP fishing rod

Base technology

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Type B Type A

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

In-situ debris-measurement device

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QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Design concept

• Simple and unique principle

– Detecting by monitoring currents

• Space-saving

– Membrane structure

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Sensing lines

Space debris impact

Current change

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

QSAT-EOS -Y Panel

Overview of flight model1)

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Sensing element Detectable size: 0.10mm

Area: 100mm×100mm

Thickness: 0.025mm

Width:0.05 mm

Pitch:0.10 mm

(x1,000)

1) Note: From Yukihiro Kitazawa et al.: “Development of In-situ Micro-Debris Measurement System”, IAC, 2011.

QSAT-EOS: Kyushu Satellite for Earth Observation System Demonstration

Conclusions

• QSAT-EOS project carries out two activities for

research issues of space debris

• QSAT-EOS de-orbits within 21 years by Drag

augmentation device

• In-situ debris-measurement device detects

space debris which has the diameter of 0.10mm

or more

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