Satellite technology and space exploration fields are in a developing phase. Luckily, CubeSats have brought innovation strategies forward, especially when Low Earth Orbit missions are concerned. CubeSat buses vary in functionality, but they have already changed our ways of exploring space. They are essential for scientific research, education, and technology product demonstrations because of modularity and because they don’t cost much. Read more about CubeSats to find out how relevant they are for space research and how they are used in low-earth orbit.
What are CubeSats in low Earth orbit?
CubeSats are standardised satellites that can fit 10x10x10 cm per unit (1U), weighing 1.33 kg per unit. Space engineers have the flexibility of scaling them up to larger configurations such as 2U, 3U, and up to the more versatile 6U for combinations of multiple side-by-side units. Initially, CubeSats served academic interests, but now, these small spacecraft have governmental, private, and research purposes.
Every satellite, regardless of its size, is equipped with a bus that carries its essential equipment, such as cameras, radars, sensors, etc. CubeSat buses for low-earth orbit missions generally deal with Earth observation, so they often carry cameras or radars that can capture images at night. However, there can be more applications for sat tech in low-earth orbit, so bus configurations can vary.
What is the mission of the CubeSat?
Low-earth orbit covers 2000 km above the Earth’s surface; it is also the nearest destination for most satellite missions. When deployed, low-Earth orbit satellites work with ground stations and make further exchanges of data easier and with comparably low transmission time delay. For example, they can forecast weather or ensure navigation. Here are some examples of CubeSat operations in low-earth orbit:
Earth Observation
Most CubeSats are equipped with sensors and cameras that examine global warming, natural shocks, agro-phenomena, and disaster signals – straight from low-earth orbit. Small CubeSats can generate the needed data with precision, thus enabling efficient decision-making. They can also work for disaster response.
Scientific Research
Since CubeSats cut down the costs of space missions, they help researchers conduct various space experiments. Scientists and space engineers used them for astrophysics and microgravity phenomena biology research. Most of these missions happen in low-earth orbit.
Technology Demonstration
Many low-earth orbit missions focus on growing new space technologies such as propulsion systems, radiation-tolerant components, and communication methods. Unlike larger, more expensive satellites, CubeSat low-earth orbit tech demonstrations are more cost-effective and the financial risk of losing a satellite is lower.
Educational Purposes
Universities and students use CubeSats for various low-earth orbit missions as they learn how to develop new technologies. Actual mission types in low-earth orbit can vary greatly, ranging from EOS missions to technical experiments.
But how do CubeSats get into orbit? Usually, they are deployed in batches with larger satellites as additional payload. This makes CubeSats’ low-earth orbit mission a rather affordable option, even for educational and non-profit missions.
How Long Do CubeSat Missions Last?
A CubeSat low-earth orbit mission can last for as long as it serves its purpose. CubeSats can stay in low-earth orbit for about a few months or several years. While the average CubeSats’ lifespan is longer, others serve specific, short-term special missions. CubeSat power eventually decays, and satellites lose battery power and equipment, including onboard systems that are destroyed in low-earth orbit. Most CubeSats have no propulsion systems of their own, and consequently, they cannot correct their orbital position. So, they start descending; eventually, they reach the zone where our planet’s gravitational pull affects them, fall down, and burn in the atmosphere.
CubeSat Buses for Low-Earth Orbit Missions
A CubeSat bus refers to the standard infrastructure of the satellite, which includes the power system, computer, telemetry, and structural components. The bus provides the necessary support for the payload, which is mission-specific equipment, such as sensors or cameras. For low-earth missions, CubeSat buses must be particularly robust to withstand the radiation and thermal fluctuations encountered in this orbit.
Future of CubeSats in Low-Earth Orbit
CubeSats in low-earth orbit have bright prospects as they are miniaturised, advanced technological systems. Besides, space engineers develop more advanced propulsion systems to make this tech more manoeuvrable. Further, they work on inter-satellite communications. This allows one to prolong the lifespan of low-earth missions. CubeSats are designed, developed, and launched by multiple satellite owners worldwide, and this trend should continue considering the tech’s affordability. International organisations work on innovating CubeSats and introducing new space technologies.
Summing it up, CubeSats help humanity democratise space access. They adapt to various low-earth missions and are highly cost-effective. The modern satellite arsenal uses them the most because of their uniform design, high versatility, and affordable cost. Since technology is progressing, CubeSat missions will continue to expand, perhaps even paving our way to longer missions beyond our planet’s atmosphere.