Satellite Technology

A Deeper Dive
 Outline
★ Satellite Basics
○ Definition
○ History (Historical Development of satellites, CubeSats)
○ Purpose
○ Type and application
○ Benefit and Impact

★ A special look at CubeSats

○ Definition and characteristics of CubeSats.
○ Advantages and limitations of CubeSat missions.
○ Real-world examples of successful CubeSat projects.

★ Cubesat subsystem
○ Structure and mechanical subsystems.
○ Power and energy management subsystems.
○ Command and Data handling
○ Communication subsystems.
○ Attitude determination and control subsystems.
○ Payload and scientific instruments.
○ Thermal control system
○ Propulsion system
What’s a Satellite

Satellites are objects that orbit around a celestial body, such

as a planet, moon, or star.
 Historical Overview of Satellite Technology

● 1930s-1940s: The development of powerful rockets during World War II, primarily
by Nazi Germany (V-2 rockets), laid the foundation for future space exploration.
● Post-War Era: After World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union
sought to harness rocket technology for peaceful purposes and space exploration.
● The Space Race: The rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold
War led to significant advancements in satellite technology.

First Satellites:
● the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in 1957 and a subsequent satellite
Explorer 1 from USA in 1958 as the first artificial satellites.
 Historical Overview of Satellite Technology…

Sputnik 1 Explorer 1
Soviet Union USA
1957 1958
Purpose of Satellites

● Communication
● Earth Observation
● Navigation (e.g., GPS)
● Scientific Research
● Space Exploration
● Weather Forecasting
● National Security and Defense
Types and Applications of Satellites

Types of Satellites:

➔ To aid our study of Satellites we can broadly classify them based on two parameters
◆ One is based on who made them
◆ Another is based on where they are
Types of Satellites

Artificial Satellites

Created and launched

by humans to orbit
Natural Satellites
celestial bodies,
primarily the Earth to Formed through natural
perform various tasks processes in space, such
and functions. as gravitational
interactions during the
early formation of a
celestial body.
 Types of Satellites
Natural Satellites

Formed through natural

processes in space, such
as gravitational
interactions during the
early formation of a
celestial body.
Artificial Satellites

Created and launched

by humans to orbit
celestial bodies
Classification Based on Orbit:

● Geostationary Orbit (GEO): 35,786 km

○ Communication, weather observation, and broadcasting due to their stable
coverage over a specific region.
● Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): 2,000 - 35,786 km
○ Navigation, communication, and Earth observation. One of the most
well-known satellite constellations in MEO is the Global Positioning System
(GPS)
● Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 160 - 2,000 km
○ Earth observation, scientific research, remote sensing, satellite constellations
(e.g., Starlink), and space stations (e.g., ISS).
● Polar Orbit: 200 - 1200 km
○ Earth observation, climate monitoring, environmental research, and mapping.
Classification Based on Orbit
 Types and Applications of Satellites…

Communication Satellites:
★ Applications: Telecommunication services, broadcasting television and radio signals, internet
connectivity worldwide.
Earth Observation Satellites:
★ Applications: Monitoring weather patterns, environmental changes, natural disasters, and assessing
land use.
Navigation Satellites:
★ Applications: Global Positioning System (GPS), aiding navigation for air, land, and sea-based
operations.
Scientific Satellites:
★ Applications: Conducting experiments in space, studying celestial bodies, and exploring distant
regions of the universe.
 Benefits and Impact of Satellites

Global Connectivity:
● Revolutionizing communication and internet access, connecting people across continents and
remote regions.
Disaster Monitoring and Management:
● Assisting in real-time monitoring of natural disasters, aiding emergency response and recovery
efforts.
Precision Navigation:
● Enabling accurate and efficient navigation for transportation and logistics industries.
Scientific Discoveries:
● Facilitating groundbreaking discoveries in space exploration and understanding the universe.
Societal and Economic Impact:
● Contributing to economic growth through applications like agriculture, urban planning, and
resource management.
CubeSats
CubeSats
Definition and characteristics of CubeSats.
A CubeSat is a type of small, standardized satellite that is compact, cost-effective, and
designed for space research and technology demonstration. It is a cube-shaped satellite
with a standardized size, facilitating easy integration and deployment in space missions.
● Small Form Factor:
● Low Cost
● Modularity
● Standardization
● Technology Demonstration
● Rapid Development and Deployment
● Lower Launch Barriers
Advantages of CubeSat Missions

● Lower cost of development and deployment compared to traditional

satellites.
● Encourages innovation and involvement in space exploration.
● Shorter development cycles and faster launches.
● Collaboration opportunities and international cooperation.
Limitations of CubeSat Missions

● Limited payload capacity and power.

● Less stability and control in orbit.
● Shorter lifespan compared to larger satellites.
● Risk of space debris and collisions.
Real World Example of Successful CubeSat Projects

● Overview of some notable CubeSat missions and their achievements:

● Ethiopia ETRSS
● NASA's MarCO CubeSats
● ISRO's INSPIRE Mission
● University CubeSat projects (e.g., QB50)
● High School CubeSat
Satellite Communication
Waves

What are waves?

Electromagnetic Waves
Radio
Modulation
Antennas
CubeSat Subsystems
CubeSat Subsystems: Structure and Mechanical

● Explanation of the structure and mechanical components of a CubeSat:

● Framework and chassis design.
● Integration and assembly.
Power and Energy Management:

● Description of power generation and distribution systems:

● Solar panels and battery storage.
● TEG
● Energy management and conservation strategies.
Command and Data Handling:

● How CubeSats are controlled and data managed:

● Onboard computers and processors.
● Data storage and transmission.
Communication:

● Overview of communication subsystems:

● Antennas and transceivers.
● Ground station communication.
Attitude Determination and Control

● How CubeSats maintain their orientation in space:

● Gyroscopes and sensors.
● Reaction wheels and magnetic torque rods.
Propulsion System

● Overview of propulsion options for CubeSats:

● Chemical propulsion.
● Electric propulsion.
Plasma Thruster
Plasma Thruster
Payload and Scientific Instruments

● Explanation of payload options and scientific instruments:

● Cameras and imaging devices.
● Spectrometers and sensors.
Thermal Control System

● Importance of thermoregulation in space:

● Passive vs. active thermal control.
● Heat sinks and radiators.
Conclusion

● Recap of the importance and impact of satellites and CubeSats.

● Acknowledgment of their role in advancing space exploration and technology.
● Encouragement for further innovation and research in the field of satellite technology.
Q&A

● Open the floor for questions from the audience.

● Encourage discussions about satellites, CubeSats, and related topics.
Thank You