KUTESAT-2, A Student Nanosatellite Mission for Testing Rapid-Response Small Satellite Technologies in Low Earth Orbit

ABSTRACT The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is interested in using nanosats to perform space experiments, demonstrate new technology, develop operational systems, and integrate advanced responsive space system technology. One potential operational application of nanosats is using clusters of microsatellites that operate cooperatively to perform the function of a larger, single satellite. Each smaller satellite communicates with the others and shares the processing, communications, and payload or mission functions. This type of a distributed system has several advantages: (1) system-level robustness and graceful degradation, and (2) distributed capabilities for surveillance and science measurements built into the system architecture. There are a number of technology advancements needed to operationalize and enable tactical missions. These advancements include modular ‘plug-n-play’ satellite architectures and components; high performance tactical downlinks; adaptable, agile propulsion systems, and lean manufacturing, assembly and test. The Kansas Universities’ Technology Evaluation Satellite (KUTESat) program originated at the University of Kansas (KU) in 2002. The technical objective of the program is the development and operation of miniature satellites that can demonstrate and test technologies and techniques necessary to accomplish various government missions. The first satellite, KUTESat-1