Modular and Batch-Producible Small Spacecraft

Vistacent, LLC, proposes to develop modular open systems architectures for SmallSats/CubeSats. SmallSats/CubeSats are quicker/cheaper to develop than their larger predecessors. The primary bottleneck has been a lack of standards in the type of subsystems being offered in form, fit, and function. Standardization would go a long way to improve the mission success and reduce development time and cost of a CubeSat. Payload developers spend gt;50% of their time/resources on creating a satellite bus system instead of on development of the sensor/device, the data from which is the primary rationale for the mission. Attempts have been made to create standardized systems, interfaces, and even materials for SmallSats/CubeSats. However, there has not been a universal acceptance for these ldquo;yet to be finalizedrdquo; standards. The perception exists that those involved in trying to establish certain requirements are focused on specific CubeSat architectures that are in their immediate portfolio. For this proposal, Vistacent is defining ldquo;standardizationrdquo; of the modular units as the basic CubeSat structure to allow structural and electrical standard connectivity between modules. Vistacent proposes to 3D print modular ldquo;building blocksrdquo; for a complete architecture. This ldquo;standardizationrdquo; will also allow COTS components to be ldquo;plugged-inrdquo; or ldquo;hot-swappedrdquo; to the modules. With the addition of rails or tabs, a CubeSat will be able to adapt to any current dispenser. NASA wishes to have a fabrication method to facilitate mass/batch production of CubeSats. The current market of SmallSat/CubeSat system components will be reviewed/assessed to determine system compatibilities. These components will be grouped together into building block functional groups. Modification of our existing 3D printing software will allow innovative solutions such as embedding electrical circuitry for each module in the module walls. This will allow effortless integration of COTS items with standardized CubeSat modules.