What is a Nanosatellite?

Nano-satellite uses multiple integration technology in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Integration System), using the design ideas and manufacturing processes of large-scale integrated circuits, not only integrating mechanical parts like electronic circuits, but also sensors, actuators, and microprocessor And other electrical and optical systems are integrated in a very small geometric space to form a mechatronic satellite component or subsystem with specific functions.

Nanosatellite

Nanosatellite

In the history of aerospace development, due to the limitation of carrying capacity and technological level,

Due to the advancement of technology, especially microelectronics technology, the new generation of small satellites uses many small, high-performance electronic components, making them have functions that are only found in large satellites, and further miniaturizing small satellites and developing them into microsatellites. Based on the new data transmission micro-satellite, the newly developed tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 30% can cover the entire satellite surface, and can obtain 8 watts of power in direct sunlight, thereby solving the power problem and further reducing quality. If you can put all the electronics

As military satellites become larger and more versatile, the risks associated with them continue to increase. In the military field, due to the increasingly powerful functions of satellites, their unique advantages have become more and more obvious. Military reconnaissance, surveillance, navigation, early warning and C4I systems have played a pivotal role and have become major players. An integral part of the military power war system. However, modern military satellites are becoming larger and larger, and their functions are becoming more and more complicated, which also brings many problems.

Generally speaking, small satellites weigh 10 to 500 kilograms, and microsatellites weigh an order of magnitude less than small satellites, weighing 100 grams to 10 kilograms. However, whether it is a small satellite or a microsatellite, its design philosophy has not departed from the traditional satellite design "integrated" structure.

Nanosatellite

Therefore, the United States is

Nanosatellite

NanoSat usually refers to a satellite with a mass of less than 10 kg and which has practical functions. It is developed based on microelectronic technology, microelectromechanical technology, micro-optical technology and other micro / nano technologies.

Nano satellites use multiple integration technologies in MEMS, that is, the design ideas and manufacturing processes of large-scale integrated circuits. It not only integrates mechanical parts like electronic circuits, but also

Nano satellite system

As mentioned earlier, the concept of nanosatellites was proposed on the basis of the development of MEMS technology, and so far it is still on paper. However, experts from the NASA Nanotechnology Working Group believe that using a mastery of MEMS technology, a pixel with a resolution of 7 meters (with a resolution of 28 meters corresponding to a 400-kilometer altitude) at a height of 100 kilometers, Flight-capable miniature cameras are possible. This camera satellite uses a 2000 × 2000 pixel low-noise CCD array.

Nano satellite system

The United States has been at the forefront of small satellite development by virtue of its solid technical foundation. The military, led by the United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has always placed high hopes on the development of small satellites, and DARPA invests $ 35 million in small satellite development each year. NASA also attaches great importance to the development of small satellites, and has proposed a series of small satellite development plans such as the "Small Satellite Technology Innovation Plan" and the "New Flourish Plan".

The Goddard Space Center in the United States is developing a nanosatellite with a mass of only 10 kg. At that time, one Delta-7925 rocket will launch 100 such satellites into a large eccentric orbit at the same time. These nanosatellites will form a "magnetosphere constellation." They have the same apogee heights of 12,750km, but the apogee heights are different. They extend outward from a height of 312,000km from the earth's surface along a "line". Simultaneous measurement at different heights

Russian "nano satellite" flies into space

Russian experts are developing Russia's first "nano satellite", which is slightly larger than a domestic milk powder barrel and weighs only 5 kg. This artificial satellite is expected to fly to space in the next few years to perform Earth observation missions.

"Nanosatellite" refers to a class of satellites of a specific weight class to distinguish them from microsatellites. "Nanosatellites" typically weigh between 1 and 10 kilograms, while microsatellites weigh between 10 and 100 kilograms.

According to Russian "Science Information" magazine, the full name of the satellite manufactured by the Russian Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Research Institute is "Minimum Configuration Technology Nanosatellite." Its main application area is long-range exploration of the earth. This satellite is equipped with a digital camera with a shooting field of view of 290 kilometers and a resolution of 50 meters. The radio transmitter on the satellite will transmit the photos back to the ground, and the users who purchase the data can receive it by themselves using small receiving stations.

Compared with other types of satellites, the advantages of "nano-satellites" are that they are light in weight, relatively simple in design, and have short manufacturing cycles. In addition, satellites can be controlled directly through the existing "Global Star" satellite communication system.

Researchers said that although the resolution of such satellite photos is not high, it is cheaper to manufacture, launch and manage, so it is more popular and can serve more users. In addition, because the satellite can be controlled by a modem on the satellite, ground control personnel can contact "nano satellites" more frequently than traditional satellites, even as quickly as "calling with a mobile phone".

According to Russian experts, their experimental "nanosatellite" entered space in 2005 and completed various test missions. Russia's first genuine "nano satellite" is likely to fly into space in the next year or two.

Xinhua News Agency, Washington, April 24, 2008. NASA announced on the 24th that its Ames Research Center will work with a company to develop an ultra-small satellite called "nano-satellite" to create the next generation of space communications And network systems.

"Nanosatellites" are small satellites weighing between 11 and 110 pounds (approximately 5 to 50 kilograms).

NASA said in a press release that in the future, NASA will launch many "nano-satellites" into low earth orbit to form a "satellite constellation." These "nano-satellites" will build a "5th generation communication and network system (5G)" based on the Internet and related services, greatly improving mobile communication service capabilities.