The activities executed within the project NoTank - NOvel composite propulsion TANK architecture for small satellites aimed at maximising space use for the propulsion system in Smallsats, by improving the space efficiency of the propellant storage tank. Compared to conventional propulsion tank systems, the solution has the potential to reduce the overall cost of the satellite and provide a modular design that can adapt to various spatial configurations.

Background and justification:

Background and justification:

Array Fed Reflector (AFR) antennas provide a favourable trade-off between performance (e.g. gain) and complexity (e.g. number of antenna ports) for emerging broadband satellites in geostationary orbit. In light of emerging digital AFR payloads, satellite integrators and operators are in need of a) efficient optimization processes to define the antenna configuration (Optics, Focal Array) that is the most flexible and best suited for user distribution, and b) practical techniques for the dynamic reconfiguration of the payload during operation in a reduced timescale.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become an integral part of space in the future to realize the autonomy of the system without ground control and crew interactions. The demonstrator developed in the scope of the ORBIT-STAR project supports the evaluation of scenarios and techniques for incorporating machine learning algorithms in an operational environment.

Small satellites have seen a significant growth over the past decade and have emerged as a viable complement to traditional large satellite solutions for many applications. This growth is mainly justified by their short development time and low cost.