Lessons Learned from Structural Design and Vibration Testing of 50-kg Microsatellites Deployed from the International Space Station

TL;DR

This paper discusses the structural design and vibration testing of 50-kg microsatellites deployed from the ISS, highlighting lessons learned to optimize development schedules and reduce technical risks.

Contribution

It presents a case study of design updates and successful vibration testing for a microsatellite, providing valuable insights for future ISS-deployed satellite projects.

Findings

Successful vibration test completed in a single trial

Design review led to optimized structural integrity

Lessons learned improve future microsatellite deployment strategies

Abstract

Hokkaido University and Tohoku University have been developing and operating a constellation of 50-cm-class microsatellites for Earth observation. DIWATA-1, launched in 2016, was deployed into a circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 400 km from the International Space Station (ISS). For the subsequent satellite developed in 2021, the structural design and vibration test campaign were optimized to meet a strict one-year development schedule. This paper summarizes how the structural design of the previous satellite was reviewed and updated, and how the vibration test was successfully completed in a single trial to minimize schedule and technical risks. These lessons learned provide valuable insights, as there are only a limited number of reported cases of 50-kg-class microsatellites deployed from the ISS.