Fractionated spacecraft: The new sprout in distributed space systems

This paper provides a survey of current state-of-the-art technologies of fractionated spacecraft, a new architecture for distributed space systems. The survey covers six aspects: architecture, networking, wireless communication, wireless power transfer, distributed computing, and planned missions implementing this architecture. As a result of this survey, the technology readiness level of each of these technology areas is assessed. Finally, research and development activities at the Delft University of Technology in the field of spacecraft formation flying are introduced. Focus is given to areas where fractionated spacecraft share technologies with formation flying spacecraft.

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