Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

Aalto-1, multi-payload CubeSat: design, integration and launch




List of AuthorsPraks J., Mughal M. Rizwan, Vainio R., Janhunen P., Envall J., Oleynik P., Näsilä A., Leppinen H., Niemelä P., Slavinskis A., Gieseler J., Toivanen P., Tikka T., Peltola T., Bosser A., Schwarzkopf G., Jovanovic N., Riwanto B., Kestilä A., Punkkinen A., Punkkinen R., Hedman H.-P., Säntti T., Lill J.-O., Slotte J.M.K., Kettunen H., Virtanen A.

PublisherElsevier

Publication year2021

JournalActa Astronautica

eISSN1879-2030

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.11.042

URLsciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094576520307189

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/51434874


Abstract

The design, integration, testing, and launch of the first Finnish satellite Aalto-1 is briefly presented in this paper. Aalto-1, a three-unit CubeSat, launched into Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km, is operational since June 2017. It carries three experimental payloads: Aalto Spectral Imager (AaSI), Radiation Monitor (RADMON), and Electrostatic Plasma Brake (EPB). AaSI is a hyperspectral imager in visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelength bands, RADMON is an energetic particle detector and EPB is a de-orbiting technology demonstration payload. The platform was designed to accommodate multiple payloads while ensuring sufficient data, power, radio, mechanical and electrical interfaces. The design strategy of platform and payload subsystems consists of in-house development and commercial subsystems. The CubeSat Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) followed Flatsat -- Engineering-Qualification Model (EQM) -- Flight Model (FM) model philosophy for qualification and acceptance.
The paper briefly describes the design approach of platform and payload subsystems, their integration and test campaigns, and spacecraft launch. The paper also describes the ground segment & services that were developed by the Aalto-1 team.


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Last updated on 2023-24-04 at 11:49