NanoSMAD – A First Order System Configuration Design Tool for Nano and Micro Satellites

Abstract

The emergence of nano and micro satellites, which weigh less than 100 kg, is causing a significant transformation in the space industry. The existing Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD) tools, which are primarily designed for larger satellites, often become irrelevant for these smaller satellites in terms of spacecraft mass, power, pointing requirement, total mission duration, fault tolerance, and design cost. To address this, we have developed a web based nanoSMAD tool specifically for designers of nano and micro satellites. This tool utilizes a comprehensive database of approximately 140 nano and micro satellites along with their internal subsystem specifications. By using the nanoSMAD tool, designers can efficiently develop nano and micro satellite systems by entering their requirements, which then generates high-level system design and requirement specifications. This process enables the tool to provide a basic satellite configuration design and generates a Master Equipment List (MEL) of subsystems. To further customize the design, users can provide more specific parameter inputs or select components from a drop-down menu, resulting in an iterative custom design approach. The satellite database used by the nanoSMAD tool is regularly updated through online surveys, including web scraping, to gather information on the latest non-space-grade off-the-shelf nano and micro satellite subsystems. This ensures that the tool stays up-to-date with the newest advancements in the field. Additionally, the nanoSMAD tool offers a unique feature of verifying the electrical interface compatibility of subsystems, which is an innovative aspect of the tool. Novice small satellite communities will greatly benefit from the nanoSMAD tool as it seamlessly generates an initial nano and micro satellite system design, providing a first-order understanding of the satellite’s configuration and requirements.