ISBN 978-3-8439-0852-8

978-3-8439-0852-8, Reihe Raumfahrt

Alexander Uryu
Development of a Multifunctional Power Supply System and an Adapted Qualification Approach for a University Small Satellite

166 Seiten, Dissertation Universität Stuttgart (2013), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

The present thesis focuses on the following two aspects, which are essential for the implementation of small satellites.

• Development of a multifunctional power supply system that comprises the traditional power regulation and distribution tasks as well as recovery functions for the overall spacecraft system

• Development and application of an adapted qualification approach for small satellite projects while accounting for the determining factors at university

Both aspects are developed and implemented in the scope of the Flying Laptop small satellite project at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. The Power Control and Distribution Unit (PCDU) covers all traditional functionalities such as regulation and distribution of power between the primary energy source, the energy storage device, and the spacecraft loads. Thereby, numerous protection mechanisms preserve the on-board units and the system´s operability. An adapted operations concept is utilised for the PCDU to avoid shut-down events of the satellite system as well as to reliably power up the spacecraft. Together with the innovative on-board computer the PCDU concept constitutes a new implementation design for satellite on-board control during nominal as well as emergency operations.

Two aspects in particular contribute to the PCDU FDIR functions at system level:

• A reconstitution procedure for the state-of-the-art on-board computer system (UT 699 LEON3FT) to maximise the system reliability

• Direct configuration of the satellite system by High Priority Commands from ground through the PCDU without on-board computer control

The qualification programme for Flying Laptop provides a consistent approach from component up to system level while accounting for limitations imposed by the university environment such as budgets, manpower and experience level:

• Application of a tailored industrial functional verification approach using qualified tools.

• Making use of industrial expertise to increase the quality level and to accelerate the schedule progress

• Introduction of a new interface control technique. The complexity of the spacecraft system is reduced and the qualification process is sped up by allocating digital and analogue interfaces to two distinct units