A Building Block Assembly Based Modular Microsatellite Scheme

The efficient integration and assembly of satellites can improve the response efficiency of complex flight missions. In this paper, a modular microsatellite scheme based on building block assembly is proposed for achieving the aim of rapid, low-cost and batch development of microsatellites. In this work, cube modules are used as the basic units of microsatellites, so that microsatellites with specific functions can be assembled by using building blocks. As a result, the microsatellite system can be quickly assembled/replaced according to different mission requirements. A modular microsatellite system architecture is proposed and designed with plug-and-play hardware, reconfigurable onboard software and rapid integration and testing system. A standard modular configuration scheme enables a 3-dimensional assembly of satellites. The application of standard interface technology enables flexible multi-angle assembly. The plug-and-play technology achieves that the modules can be quickly identified and managed. The reconfigurable onboard software technology improves the response efficiency of the microsatellite for complex missions. The rapid integration and testing system can complete the functional testing. Finally, the advantages of the proposed scheme are verified by a 6U microsatellite case.