AltiCube+ - An Aggregated CubeSats Swarm for Long Fixed-baseline Radar Altimetry
Programme
Preparation
Programme Reference
23-P-M-TEC-02-b
Prime Contractor
TU DELFT
Subcontractors
COMET INGENIERIA S.L.
Spain
Innovative Solutions in Space (ISIS) B.V.
The Netherlands
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
The Netherlands
Description
This report summarises the feasibility study result of AltiCube+, a low-cost long fixed-baseline radar altimeter solution based on CubeSats on-orbit assembly. Various altimeter concepts based on the AltiCube+ solution, including off-nadir SARIn and a Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output, have been explored, aiming at sub-kilometre cross-track resolution for water level monitoring. Key technologies on deployable structures, autonomous assembly and highly capable platform have been assessed. The final concept consists of five 16U CubeSats docking with each other to establish two side-looking interferometric altimeters, each with 6.6 meter baseline.
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
8 - System Design & Verification
Competence Domain
8-Ground Systems and Mission Operations
Keywords
CubeSat
Swarm
Initial TRL
TRL N/A
Target TRL
TRL N/A
Public Document
Executive Summary