Abstract

OPS-SAT - Small Satellite Mission Recently Launched

O.Koudelka, R.Zeif, M.Kubicka, M.Henkel, A.Hörmer, M.Wenger, R.Finsterbusch, F.Teschl
Graz University of Technology

D.Evans, T.Mladenov, D. Marszk, A.Lofaldli, V.Shiradhonkar,
V.Zelenevskiy, G.Labrèche, J.Feiteirinha, R. Majchrzak
ESA/ESOC

 

Abstract

OPS-SAT is an innovative triple CubeSat initiated by the European Space Operations Centre with the main objective to stimulate “innovation via experimentation” in the area of mission operations. OPS-SAT is the first in-orbit demonstration of a spacecraft with fully MO (Mission Operations)-based on-board software and ground implementations. The spacecraft is fully compatible with the relevant CCSDS standards and hence ESA’s ground infrastructure, thus OPS-SAT looks like an advanced ESA satellite. The purpose is to verify new operational concepts and to carry out a variety of hardware and software experiments in the field of radio and optical communications, attitude control, remote sensing and on-board autonomy. OPS-SAT was developed by an international consortium led by TU Graz and was successfully launched in December 2019. After intensive tests and validation of the spacecraft and the complex ground infrastructure, OPS-SAT entered the experimental phase.

Core of the satellite is a powerful processor based on a Cyclone V system-on-chip with a large Field Programmable Array which was developed by TU Graz. This unit and other COTS components on board of OPS-SAT were radiation tested at ESTEC for total dose and at the Paul Scherrer Institute for SEU effects.

The presentation outlines the design of the satellite and provides information on the operational experience.