Feasibility study and requirements for a passive RF-monitoring CubeSat: Through a 6U platform comparison and a payload thermal vacuum test
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School of Electrical Engineering |
Master's thesis
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en
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111
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Abstract
Radio-frequency interference has become a persistent issue for Earth observation and communications, motivating agile, space-based spectrum monitoring to detect and geolocate terrestrial emitters. This thesis assesses the feasibility of hosting a passive S-band monitoring instrument on a flight-proven 6U CubeSat in a 500–600 km Sun-synchronous orbit using a requirements-driven, tailored IDOV systems-engineering method. The study surveys the current state of the art in passive RF sensing nano- and microsatellites, characterizes the orbital environment and CubeSat subsystems, and specifies mission, payload, system, and subsystem requirements, culminating in a requirements traceability matrix that guides the comparison of seven European 6U platforms with emphasis on payload mass, volume, power, and data interfaces. The matrix highlights two dominant integration tensions: the availability of a flight-proven on-board computer with native Ethernet and the mechanical accommodation of the spiral antennas of the instrument within the 6U chassis. The preliminary mass, thermal, and power budgets compiled for a GomSpace-based configuration indicate feasibility with typical industry margins. Critical interfaces (e.g. power, data, command, and mechanical layout) and system-level risks are identified and evaluated for a one-year mission. Thermal conditions are simulated, and a tailored thermal vacuum screening demonstrates nominal instrument operation at qualification-level extremes; however, shortened cycles and minor post-test calibration anomalies limit confidence and motivate further qualification. Radiation simulation indicates that the one-year total ionizing dose remains within typical tolerances of COTS components with minimal shielding. Overall, the results support the technical viability of a one-year SSO technology demonstrator, offering a traceable rationale for platform selection, interface design, and verification planning, with actionable insights for RF payload developers and CubeSat teams leveraging flight-proven CubeSat platforms.Description
Supervisor
Praks, JaanThesis advisor
Laufer, ReneHalme, Pekka