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Advancements in CubeSat Development: Applications and Structural Analysis

Sri Ram Deepak Akella*, Sashendra Srinivas Baswanth Pappula**

*Department of Aerospace Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

**Cadmax Solutions Private Limited, Bangalore, India.

Periodicity:July - September'2024

Abstract

This paper explores the development, applications, and structural analysis of CubeSats, small standardized satellites that have revolutionized space missions through their affordability and versatility. Initiated by professors Jardi Puig-Suari and Bob Twiggs in 1999, CubeSats were designed for educational and research purposes, enabling the testing of space technologies in low Earth orbit (LEO). Initially dominated by academic institutions, CubeSat launches saw significant growth from commercial and amateur sectors by 2014. CubeSats have expanded from LEO operations to interplanetary missions, demonstrating their adaptability for remote sensing, communications, and scientific research. This literature review highlights CubeSat advancements, emphasizing their standardized 1U, 2U, and 3U configurations, each with distinct capabilities and challenges. Structural analysis using materials like aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, FR-4, and stainless-steel focuses on their performance under static and dynamic loads. Modal and structural analyses reveal that materials such as aluminum alloy and stainless-steel offer high performance, with significant implications for optimizing CubeSat designs. The findings underscore CubeSats’ potential for enhancing Space science education, supporting technology development, and fostering space exploration in both developed and emerging nations.

Keywords

CubeSat, Structural Analysis, Nodal Simulation, 1U to 3U Configurations, Miniature Satellites.

How to Cite this Article?

Akella, S. R. D., & Pappula, S. S. B. (2024). Advancements in CubeSat Development: Applications and Structural Analysis. i-manager's Journal on Structural Engineering, 13(2), 13-24.

References

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Advancements in CubeSat Development: Applications and Structural Analysis

Abstract

Keywords

How to Cite this Article?

References

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