Development and on-orbit operation of nano-satellite systems enabling to rapidly demonstrate new space technologies

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In this research, an on-orbit demonstration system of separation mechanism for nano-satellites was successfully conducted on July in 2005 by M-V-8 rocket, and a nano-satellite Cute-1.7 + APD was proposed and developed. The missions include demonstrations of a PDA (personal digital assistant) based onboard computer, attitude control experiment using magnetic torquers, amateur radio service - digital repeater, tether deployment experiment, and APD (avalanched photo diode) sensor demonstration experiment as a scientific mission. Cute-1.7 + APD was launched by the JAXA/ISAS M-V-8 Rocket as a subpayload on February in 2006, and was operated for a month to confirm its fundamental functions. The problems in Cute-1.7+APD are thoroughly investigated in a very short period and the improved follow-on satellite Cute-1.7+APD II was rapidly developed in order to achieve all of the missions. Cute-1.7 + APD II will be launched in 2007 by an Indian rocket PSLV. A pico-satellite XI-V was developed and launched on October in 2005 by a Russian rocket KOSMOS, and was fully operated on-orbit. The missions include demonstrations of CIGS (copper indium gallium di-selenide) thin-film solar cell, precise measurement circuit, improvement of camera control software, and message transmission service. A 5 kg class satellites PRISM was also proposed for remote sensing mission. In particular, development of an extensible boom-based optical system was focused. The development was satisfactorily conducted from BBM phase to EM one, and variable functional tests including radiation test were carried out. The satellites will be launched in summer of 2008 by a H-IIA. The success of these satellites will be good illustrations of the fact that small satellites, especially nano or pico-class satellites provide good opportunities for the demonstration of new space technology in space environment.