COMPACT SATELLITE BUS DESIGN

Construction of a very small (~1 kg) satellite bus compatible with the requirements of a 3 axis controlled satellite mission is presently technically feasible. Such systems have been discussed, but none have been realized yet because of technology and cost considerations. Such a satellite would have enormous commercial potential in applications including communications and remote sensing both because its launch cost as a piggyback is negligible, and the highly integrated, commercial style of construction similar to portable CD players and cellular phones, allows recurring cost 1% to 5% of existing low cost, miniature satellites. By applying innovative design and development methods which have already been proven in the commercial sector and available technology, such a system is now feasible, and can be constructed with recurring costs well under $100,000. This system would provide the capabilities of a satellite bus, including power production and storage, processing, data storage, communications, and attitude determination and control.