Modular Nanosatellites - Plug-and-Play (PnP) CubeSat
Christopher J. McNutt, Robert Vick, Harry Whiting, James Lyke, Kirtland Afb · 2009
Under sponsorship by the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) office, the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicle Directorate (AFRL/RV) developed a modular nanosatellite approach where hardware and software black-box elements can be combined very quickly (possibly less than an hour) to form simple, but functional spacecraft. They are fully compliant with the Stanford/CalPoly CubeSat and Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Dispenser (PPOD) standards, but extend these standards by permitting interchangeability of components. As such, distributed groups can create individual component parts that can be brought together and quickly assembled using plug-and- play (PnP) mechanisms, similar to those in personal computers. The basis of the electrical and software infrastructure is the AFRL Space PnP Avionics (SPA) technology, scaled for nanosatellite purposes (the adaptation is termed nanoSPA). Reuse and competitive implementations are promoted, making it possible to choose the best components from many prospective providers. It is envisioned that a secure web-based design system will provide an effective medium for developing design configurations and coordinating the offerings of a community of component developers. Three concept hardware prototypes (one 1U and two 2U CubeSat form factors) were demonstrated, each having fully functional nanoSPA plug-and-play networks and interchangeable components. While some technical challenges remain in fully maturing the concept (such as miniaturization of the plug-and-play interfaces), it is expected that most elements of a nanoSPA system can be available for general use within two years. Before that, AFRL will provide training kits containing the essential elements to permit interested participants early opportunities for developing nanoSPA compatible bus and payload elements.