Keywords

Cubesat, satellite, dust detector, optimal power management, mission analysis, power scheduling

Abstract

A conceptual dust detection mission, KnightSat III, using pico-scale satellites is analyzed. The purpose of the proposed KnightSat III mission is to aid in the determination of the size, mass, distribution, and number of dust particles in low earth orbits through a low cost and flexible satellite or a formation of satellites equipped with a new dust detector. The analysis of a single satellite mission with an on-board dust detector is described; though this analysis can easily be extended to a formation of pico-scale satellites. Many design aspects of the mission are discussed, including orbit analysis, power management, attitude determination and control, and mass and power budgets. Two of them are emphasized. The first is a new attitude guidance and control method, and the second is the online optimal power scheduling. It is expected that the measurements obtained from this possible future mission will provide insight into the dynamical processes of inner solar system dust, as well as aid in designing proper micro-meteoroid impact mitigation strategies for future man-made spacecraft.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2013

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Xu, Yunjun

Degree

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering; Space System Design and Engineering

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004813

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004813

Language

English

Release Date

August 2018

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science, Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic

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