The Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) is a device to deploy CubeSats into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS).
In 2014, two CubeSat deployers were on board the International Space Station (ISS): the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) and the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD). The J-SSOD is the first of its kind to deploy small satellites from the International Space Station (ISS). The NRCSD is the first commercially operated small satellite deployer from the ISS, maximizing full capabilities of each airlock cycle of deployments.
CubeSats belong to a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites. The basic cube-shaped satellites measure 10 cm on each side, weigh less than 1.4 kg, and have a volume of about 1 litre, although there are CubeSats which are built and deployed with sizes of multiples of 10 cm in length.
, one method of getting CubeSats to orbit is to transport them aboard a larger spacecraft as part of a cargo load to a larger space station. When this is done, deploying the CubeSats into orbit as a separate artificial satellite requires a special apparatus, such as the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer. The NRCSD is put into position to be grabbed by one of the ISS's robotic arms, which then places the CubeSat deployer into the correct position externally mounted to the ISS to be able to release the miniature satellites into proper orbit.
Background
The International Space Station was designed to be used as both a microgravity laboratory, as well as a launch pad for low Earth orbit services. The Japanese Space Agency's (JAXA) Kibō ISS module includes a small satellite-deployment system called the J-SSOD.[1]
Nanoracks, via its Space Act Agreement with NASA, deployed a CubeSat using the J-SSOD. Seeing the emerging market demand for CubeSats, Nanoracks self-funded its own ISS deployer, with the permission of both NASA and JAXA. Nanoracks evolved away from the J-SSOD due to the small number of satellites that could be deployed in one airlock cycle and their desire to maximize the capacity of each airlock cycle. The J-SSOD used a full airlock cycle to only launch 6U. The Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer uses two airlock cycles, each holding 8 deployers. Each deployer is capable of holding 6U, allowing a total of 48U per airlock cycle.[2]
Deploying CubeSats from ISS has a number of benefits. Launching the vehicles aboard the logistics carrier of ISS visiting vehicle reduces the vibration and loads they have to encounter during launch. In addition, they can be packed in protective materials so that the probability of CubeSat damage during launch is reduced significantly. In addition, for earth observation satellites, such as those of
History
JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer
The Japanese Experiment Module Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) is the first of its kind to deploy small satellites from the International Space Station. The facility provides a unique satellite install case to the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Remote Manipulator System (RMS) for deploying small, CubeSat, satellites from the ISS.[3] The J-SSOD holds up to 3 small one-unit (1U, 10 x 10 x 10 cm) small CubeSats per satellite install case, 6 in total, though other sizes up to 55 x 55 x 35 cm may also be used. Each pre-packed satellite install case is loaded by crewmembers onto the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) within the JEM habitable volume.[3] The MPEP platform is then attached to the JEM Slide Table inside the JEM airlock for transfer to the JEMRMS and space environment. The JEMRMS grapples and maneuvers the MPEP and J-SSOD to a predefined deployment orientation and then jettisons the small CubeSat satellites.[3]
The MPEP is a platform that acts as an interface between operations inside and outside the ISS, and the J-SSOD mechanism is installed on this platform. On 21 July 2012, JAXA launched the
Manufacturing the NRCSD
Quad-M, Inc. developed the CubeSat Deployer to be compliant with the Cal Poly standard. It was redesigned and manufactured to Nanoracks' specification for use on the International Space Station. Quad-M performed an initial design analysis to ensure a compliant design. The structural analysis included a modal analysis to evaluate vibration response, and the thermal analysis included calculations to evaluate different door coating options and an initial transient thermal analysis to estimate. In addition, Quad-M performed development tests for: the door release, the CSD/CubeSat Deployment test, random vibration test, and temperature cycling.[7]
Mission profile
Integrating the CubeSats
CubeSat integration begins with unpacking the CSD from the shipping container and then removing the Base Plate Assembly from the rear of the CSD. Next, the CubeSat is inserted from the rear and is slid up snug against the doors. Additional CubeSats are then inserted from the rear in the same progress. The Base Plate Assembly is then reinstalled. Four jack screws are then adjusted with the Pusher Plate and locked. The Containment Bolt is then removed, and the deployer is packed for shipment.
Orbital Sciences CRS Orb-1
- Launch vehicle: Orbital Sciences Cygnus (Orb-1)
- Launch date: 9 January 2014[8]
- Total number of CubeSats: 33
- Planet Labs: Doves, Flock 1A (28)
References
- CubeSats in Orbit After Historic Space Station Deployment NASA, 10 December 2012, retrieved 8 December 2014^
- Small Satellite Deployment from ISS - CubeSat. Smallsat Launches Nanoracks, retrieved 7 December 2014^
- J-SSOD:Experiment - International Space Station - JAXA JAXA, retrieved 7 December 2014