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Missions of CubeSat Cameras and Their Designs
CubeSat cameras have been used for space missions for more than 15 years now. They can be sent not only into lower orbit but also to outer space. First, CubeSat satellites with CubeSat cameras were used for lower orbit remote sensing and communications. But since 2018, 2 CubeSats have been sent to Mars, and some other satellites equipped with cameras were considered for missions not only on the Moon but also on Jupiter.
CubeSat camera missions used nanosatellites that weigh 1 to 10 kg and follow the standard design. This tech features cubic units at 10x10x10 cm dimensions. As an example, the 3-unit satellite is 10x10x30 cm, weighing 3-4 kg. This is the minimum size for small technology payloads. Usually, CubeSat satellites are smaller than 4-inches on every side, yet some might vary in size according to mission type. This tech was first designed by Jordi Puig-Suari from California Polytech State University and Bob Twiggs from Stanford University.
What Are New Technologies in Space?
A CubeSat camera system can be considered relatively new technology, even if it was first introduced in 1990. This is because space engineering teams are working on perfecting this type of equipment. Launches of CubeSats as auxiliary payloads for pre-planned missions result from new technology developments. While CubeSats were initially developed for educating engineering students, today, they are orbiting the Earth and some other planets. And what’s even more interesting is that they’re equipped with CubeSats cameras for scientific research, tech demonstrations, and commercial missions.
CubeSats have become very important for space developments and missions. They are used for twin 6U MarCO relay satellites for communications. These were launched in 2018, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, for Planetary Society’s two 3U LightSail and Mars Insight lander projects showing that solar sailing propulsion is feasible. CubeSats are now regularly launched from the ISS. Ever since January 1st, 2022, more than 660 CubeSats have been launched. And 700 more are expected to launch for the rest of the year, with 300 from private companies.
CubeSat Cameras Designs
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Just like other space technologies, CubeSat cameras are designed and built with high-end precision equipment. The size of CubeSat cameras depends a lot on satellite size. The objective is not to obtain high-resolution images, but to store them so that they can be successfully sent to the ground station. Low-resolution cameras don’t use as much power as high-resolution CubeSat cameras, but can be mounted on satellites so that the objective of a space mission in which they are engaged can be achieved. However, power, mass, and communication bandwidth constraints limit the choices for these cameras.
CubeSat camera modules
Just like any other spacecraft, CubeSat is made of many other subsystems such as power, data handling on board, communication, satellite payload subsystem, and others. The CubeSat’s objective and mission is determined by the payload. Most present-day CubeSats are equipped with 1 or 2 instruments of science, according to their mission payload. External fuel carried as optional cargo is also given the statute of payload.
CubeSat camera modules are considered payloads. They are used for taking images for all sorts of applications. Most CubeSat camera models can be used with CubeSat satellites according to their applications. Such applications could be spying missions, surveillance systems, and others. CMOS and CCD cameras have bandwidth and power constraints. And constraints are imposed not only by technical limitations of CubeSat cameras but also by mission objectives.
What Types of CubeSat Camera Models Are There?
Many space companies such as Dragonfly Aerospace, Berlin Space Technologies GmgH, Simera Sense, Redwire Space, and Satlantis are developing satellite cameras. For example, Dragonfly Aerospace is specializing in SmallSat and CubeSat cameras.
Development is determined by the system’s physical requirements, as well as costs, integration, lead times, and testing requirements. The key performance criteria for assessing the payload of each CubeSat model are:
● Spatial resolution. In this case, the optical payload resolves the smallest objects’ measure.
● Spectral resolution. Spectral bands’ width and the number collected from the reflected radiance.
● Radiometric resolution. This is indicated by how much information a pixel contains, being expressed in bits grouped in units.
● SWaP factor. This is the subsystems or satellite’s power, weight, and size.
As mentioned, satellites and CubeSat cameras offer many benefits when compared to their counterparts. It can be said that this alternative is more affordable. Mainstream satellites are not at all an economical alternative. They capture images of high quality, offering a perspective on all the available fields. Some uses for CubeSat cameras are weather, disaster management, military, communication, and others.
