Despite their compact size and affordable cost, CubeSats take space research to a whole new level and can be used for both commercial and scientific purposes. Their uniform design measuring 10x10x10cm per unit can be scaled up to 16 units per CubeSat. Usually available off-the-shelf, these small satellites have already revolutionized space exploration. To understand why, however, one needs to know a little more about the essential CubeSat components, their structure, functions, and subsystems – everything we will discuss below.
What are the structures of CubeSat?
CubeSats can be 1 U to 16 U in size, always measuring 10 cubic cm per unit. A typical CubeSat structure starts with a frame. Then, different modules come to complement it. The CubeSat frame should be lightweight but sturdy, so it’s usually made from aluminium composites. Further, you can mount different subsystems onto this frame.
CubeSats function better when grouped in constellations because they are small and operate more efficiently in a network. Developing and launching them is not expensive, at least not as expensive compared to a conventional satellite. Besides, CubeSats usually travel as ride-share – that is, they are launched as secondary payloads, alongside larger satellites.
However, as technology advances, CubeSat applications become more versatile and multi-purpose. Despite their compact size, CubeSats are equipped with advanced components that can accomplish a wide range of tasks. Let’s look at these components in more detail.
What are CubeSats components?
Many different CubeSat components work in synergy to ensure this space equipment functions properly and can accomplish its mission goals. The latter can differ from Earth monitoring and imaging to communication and technology demonstration. But while mission goals can differ, any spacecraft needs a set of uniform components that ensure its operation.
A must-have CubeSat components list includes power supply, communication, command data handling, and thermal controls. Besides, spacecraft always carry mission-specific payloads – that is, equipment a CubeSat needs to accomplish its mission goals.
All in all, the essential components list is not that long. So, let’s take a more detailed look at Cubesat components functions to understand how it all works in practice:
● Structure: usually made from aluminium alloys, it is the physical framework that houses and protects other components.
● Power System: typical components include solar panels or batteries (or a combination of both), along with a Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system. This critical component generates, stores, and distributes electrical power to all CubeSat systems.
● Communication System: this component typically includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. It transmits data between the CubeSat and ground stations, so it’s important for data relay, command, control operations, etc.
● Command & Data Handling (CDH): CDH components usually include onboard computers acting as CubeSat’s brain by managing all other subsystems by processing data and executing commands.
● Attitude Determination & Control System (ADCS): built with sensors and actuators, the ADCS component controls CubeSat’s orientation in space.
● Payload: payload is an essential component that varies depending on the CubeSat mission. It can be high-res imagers for Earth observation, communication transponders, or scientific instruments.
● Thermal Control System: This system keeps CubeSat’s temperature constant, ensuring all its components function at designated temperature ranges. Actual thermal components typically include radiators, thermal coatings, or heat pipes.
What are the subsystems of a CubeSat?
CubeSat subsystems are specialized segments that handle different functions, ensuring the satellite operates efficiently. We already touched upon some subsystems when discussing larger CubeSat components; for example, a power system includes subsystems like solar panels or batteries, while a larger thermal control system includes subsystems and components like radiators and coating.
A few other subsystems a CubeSat may or may not be equipped with are:
● Command Data Handling subsystem: CDH may potentially include additional data handling units, i.e., microcontrollers that manage data from payloads as well as other subsystems. For example, it can ‘decide’ which data must be transmitted to the ground stations first – an obligatory requirement for disaster monitoring.
● Deployable mechanisms: these are usually mission-specific, including booms or masts for sensors or other scientific instruments.
● Propulsion: not all CubeSats are equipped with propulsion systems for orbital manoeuvring, but if they are, such CubeSats must additionally be equipped with thrusters, fuel tanks, etc. Normally, those are CubeSats for tech demonstration or satellites that must remain in orbit for prolonged periods of time.
What are the requirements for a CubeSat?
One of the major requirements for CubeSats and their components is spacecraft dimensions. Since CubeSats are launched as secondary payloads, weight is a crucial parameter. However, size is important, too, because CubeSats are deployed over special satellite dispensers, strictly restricted by size. Other requirements are usually mission-specific, but essentially, the main launch requirement for CubeSat and its components is that the tech should function correctly in the space environment.
Wrapping it all up, CubeSats are proof that space technology is getting ever more advanced. Despite their compact size and affordable cost, they are versatile and cost-effective solutions for all sorts of space missions. International space agencies, including ESA and NASA, already consider using CubeSats for more advanced missions, including deep space exploration. Considering how rapidly the technology evolves, this may happen sooner than we expect!
