Modular Cubesat Architectures and Components

Due to extreme power limitations on CubeSat vehicles there is a demand for very low power footprint radios that are also flexible. This project develops a software defined radio with orbital average power below 50mW. BENEFIT: As stated in the description of this topic, CubeSats are generally viewed as being incapable of conducting serious missions of military utility. This view also applies the commercial sector. CubeSats have the potential to replace large heavy satellites, both in the military and commercial sectors, but have yet to demonstrate that capability. Any development of low power radios for a military CubeSat would be directly applicable to a commercial CubeSat. While the frequency assignment and protocol for a commercial radio would obviously be different from a military radio, the SWaP requirements would be similar.