Space system developments at Stanford University: from launch experience of microsatellites to the proposed future use of picosatellites

Robert J. Twiggs

doi:10.1117/12.406646

7 November 2000 Space system developments at Stanford University: from launch experience of microsatellites to the proposed future use of picosatellites

Robert J. Twiggs

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4136, Small Payloads in Space; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.406646
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Space Systems Development Laboratory was established in 1994 at Stanford University to give graduate and undergraduate students project based learning experience in microsatellite design, fabrication, test, launch integration and space operations. These students have completed two satellites - one called OPAL was launched on January 26, 2000, and the second called SAPPHIRE is tentatively scheduled for launch in late 2002. There are three additional satellites now in developments. OPAL had a unique primary objective payload. This was to launch six small Klondike ice cream bar size picosatellites. It completed this mission to gain a record of orbiting the world's smallest functional satellites. The next generation in picosats under developement that have a tentative late 2002 launch are called CubeSats. Launchers are under development to release multiple 4-inch cube CubeSats that can be used by amateur radio enthusiast, universities and government laboratories for inexpensive space testing.

Citation Download Citation

Robert J. Twiggs "Space system developments at Stanford University: from launch experience of microsatellites to the proposed future use of picosatellites", Proc. SPIE 4136, Small Payloads in Space, (7 November 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.406646

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