Aalto-1, multi-payload CubeSat: design, integration and launch

TL;DR

This paper details the design, integration, testing, and launch of Aalto-1, Finland's first CubeSat, highlighting its multi-payload platform, testing procedures, and ground segment development.

Contribution

It presents the comprehensive development process of a multi-payload CubeSat, including design strategies, integration, testing, and ground segment setup, demonstrating a successful Finnish satellite mission.

Findings

Operational since June 2017 in Sun-synchronous orbit

Successfully integrated and tested multiple payloads

Developed ground segment and services for satellite operations

Abstract

The design, integration, testing, and launch of the first Finnish satellite Aalto-1 is briefly presented in this paper. Aalto-1, a three-unit CubeSat, launched into Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km, is operational since June 2017. It carries three experimental payloads: Aalto Spectral Imager (AaSI), Radiation Monitor (RADMON), and Electrostatic Plasma Brake (EPB). AaSI is a hyperspectral imager in visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelength bands, RADMON is an energetic particle detector and EPB is a de-orbiting technology demonstration payload. The platform was designed to accommodate multiple payloads while ensuring sufficient data, power, radio, mechanical and electrical interfaces. The design strategy of platform and payload subsystems consists of in-house development and commercial subsystems. The CubeSat Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) followed Flatsat -- Engineering-Qualification Model (EQM) -- Flight Model (FM) model philosophy for qualification and acceptance. The paper briefly describes the design approach of platform and payload subsystems, their integration and test campaigns, and spacecraft launch. The paper also describes the ground segment & services that were developed by the Aalto-1 team.