Analysis of key technologies for creating multisatellite orbital constellations of small spacecraft

Abstract

One of the key areas of modern world cosmonautics is the development of cluster space systems for various purposes, consisting of a large number of functioning spacecraft. This became possible due to a decrease in the mass of spacecraft due to the creation and use of new materials, the development of electronics and microelectromechanical systems, the use of the group launch method, the development of multi-agent technologies and inter-satellite communication systems. There are projects of systems consisting of a large number of space objects, such as OneWeb, Planet, Starlink, Satellogic, etc. The main classes of devices used to create such multi-satellite systems are small satellites, including the number of micro (up to 100 kg) and nano (up to 10-15 kg) classes, which have significant advantages over heavy spacecraft, especially in terms of the timing and cost of their creation. The deployment of multi-satellite constellations, including hundreds and thousands of satellites, requires fundamentally new approaches to the creation of spacecraft and the system as a whole at all stages of the life cycle. The article discusses the key technologies used to create multisatellite orbital constellations based on small satellites at different stages of the life cycle - from the early stages of design to the stage of operation and disposal (information from orbit). The experience of a joint project of Samara University and the Progress Rocket and Space Center on the creation of a constellation of small spacecraft of the AIST series is presented.