Design of 3U-CubeSat Bus Based on TRICOM Experience to Improve Versatility and Easiness of AIT

Abstract

In this paper, the design of 3U-Cubesat bus, intended to improve versatility of the previous model, is described. The TRICOM-1R was developed to ensure practical satellites buses, within 3 kg and with international competitiveness, to be launched by the SS-520 rocket (ISAS/JAXA), a modification of former sounding rockets. The satellite succeeded all planned missions during the six-month orbital period in 2018, including camera, store and forward communications, and autonomous operation experiments. Considering the TRICOM-1R, a new satellite bus, named “TRICOM-2 (TC2)” standard bus, has been developed to improve versatility and productivity of the former model. We designed structure almost free of harnesses using a motherboard while maintaining the standard 3U size for deployment in the International Space Station. In addition, TC2 has a standard interface between mission payload, within 1.5U size, and the standard bus. Furthermore, a development team was created in cooperation with Fukui-prefecture industries, which develop many satellites at low cost. This modified satellite bus was used for Rwandan satellite (RWASAT-1), whose flight model is still being developed. All features, results of design and environment test of this satellite bus are further described in this paper.