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CubeSats (cube satellites) are a type of small satellite widely used in universities globally for space science research and education. They feature low cost, high functionality density, short development cycles, and quick deployment. By networking these CubeSats (cube satellites) to form constellations, monitoring of oceans, atmospheric environments, ships, and aircraft can be achieved. Applications include space imaging, communication, atmospheric research, biological research, and as platforms for testing new technologies. Furthermore, they have significant application value in space demonstration and scientific research fields. Given the numerous advantages of CubeSats (cube satellites) , the following text will interpret CubeSats from the aspects of design, development, and application.
Overall Framework of Satellite Platform
The system of CubeSat platform includes subsystems such as structure, thermal control, power, attitude control, communication, and on-board computer, utilizing the PC104 bus.
Structural Standards
To achieve unified satellite design, the structural design of CubeSats (cube satellites) must meet:
Structural cross-sectional dimensions (100 ± 0.1)mm;
One-unit CubeSat longitudinal dimension less than (113.5 ± 0.1)mm;
Three-unit CubeSat longitudinal dimension less than (340.5 ± 0.3)mm;
Deviation of the satellite's center of mass from its centroid within 20mm.
Electrical Interface Standards
During launch, on-board devices must be powered off to avoid affecting the main satellite; the CubeSat should have 1-2 separation switches to cut off power before entering orbit and turn on power after entering orbit.
In-Orbit Operation Standards
All deployment mechanisms, including antennas and solar arrays, must deploy within 30 minutes after the satellite enters orbit; the satellite transceiver must be switched on only if the transmitter power exceeds 1 W, and this should occur 30 minutes after entering orbit.
First, using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and standard modularization. CubeSat components heavily rely on COTS, with each part following strictly defined technical design standards without any room for neglect. The CubeSat Design Specification (CDS) proposed by Stanford University and Caltech clearly defines the external dimensions of CubeSats (cube satellites) , design sketch, mechanical, electrical, operational, and testing standards. The standardized modular structure is a significant distinguishing feature of CubeSats (cube satellites) compared to other microsatellites.
Second, CubeSats' deorbiting capability is still immature, often using low orbits below 800 km, mainly launched as secondary payloads. This means they operate in low Earth orbit or sun-synchronous orbit, deployed from adapters or the International Space Station. The carrier can even help complete the design work and protect the main mission payload and the carrier's safety, with the CubeSat ejected from the adapter post-launch.
Third, CubeSats (cube satellites) typically use low Earth orbit, with multiple or even hundreds of CubeSats forming constellations. Not only do these have high spatial resolution, but they also improve revisit rates. Compared to other small satellites, multiple CubeSats (cube satellites) can provide higher clarity.
Fourth, ground stations driven by low costs often use COTS hardware and government off-the-shelf software, primarily operated by universities. Ground control of CubeSats (cube satellites) is integrated and centralized. These control centers are interconnected for effective control of CubeSats (cube satellites). Currently, CubeSat control centers usually use very high frequency or ultra-high frequency communication bands; platform and payload tracking, telemetry, and control can be implemented with just a desktop computer. It is very convenient.
Fifth, CubeSats' development and launch costs are low, and the cycle is short, making them ideal for pioneering demonstrations and validations of innovative technologies. CubeSats (cube satellites) can provide governments, individuals, and even the military with high time-resolution imagery data for monitoring hostile ground assets and activities. CubeSats (cube satellites) can also assist in monitoring foreign space assets, enhancing positioning accuracy, and providing early warnings to prevent collisions with space debris and other vital functions.
The core systems of the CubeSat platform include the structural thermal control system, the satellite-borne system, the attitude control system, the power system, and the communication system. Therefore, the future development of CubeSats (cube satellites) will mainly focus on advancements in these areas.
Material selection is key to ensuring the quality and rigidity of CubeSats (cube satellites). Aluminum alloys are traditional materials in aerospace due to their low density, high specific strength and modulus, and good thermal conductivity, making them the preferred material for CubeSat structures. However, carbon fiber-reinforced composites, which offer high specific strength and rigidity, crack-free properties, and good thermal stability, are increasingly favored in CubeSat structural design. The use of 3D printing technology also supports CubeSat material selection.
Common passive thermal control methods include thermal control coatings, multi-layer insulation materials, phase change materials, and thermal conduction fillers. However, for components with high-temperature requirements like batteries and cameras, active thermal control such as electric heaters, space radiators, and mechanical contact thermal switches are necessary. The future development direction is to miniaturize these active thermal control methods for CubeSat applications.
The satellite-borne system is the CubeSat's management system. Current CubeSat satellite-borne systems mostly use low-power commercial processors with at least 30 MIPS processing capability. CubeSats (cube satellites) are evolving towards higher integration, higher reliability, lower power consumption, and smaller size.
The main task of the CubeSat's attitude control system is to determine and control the satellite's orientation. With the development of MEMS technology, more high-precision attitude sensors and control devices have been miniaturized and integrated into CubeSats (cube satellites), such as miniature sun sensors, star sensors, and earth sensors, which enable the CubeSat's attitude determination level to reach within 1°.
In terms of power storage, nearly all CubeSats (cube satellites) currently use lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries due to their high charge-discharge efficiency, high specific energy, and long cycle life. The next development phase will focus on batteries with higher utilization rates.
Networking to assist large satellites in forming a rapid response and resilient space architecture. In the future, CubeSats (cube satellites) can be rapidly launched and networked to respond to wartime needs, supplementing missing orbital positions through launch or in-orbit maneuvers. Due to their low cost and small size, CubeSats (cube satellites) have more advantages in space architecture.
A single CubeSat will expand space offensive and defensive capabilities and become a new low-cost deep space exploration solution. The continuous development of advanced miniature propulsion technology, coupled with CubeSats' advantages of low cost and easy ride-sharing, will make CubeSats (cube satellites) a new solution for deep space exploration.
In the civilian and commercial sectors, medium-resolution remote sensing and communication constellations will challenge traditional small satellite constellations. Small satellites hold high commercial value due to their high resolution and low cost, making them easy to control.