PEASSS

Piezoelectric Assisted Smart Satellite Structure

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The main objective of the PEASSS project is to develop, manufacture, test and qualify “smart structures” which combine composite panels, piezoelectric materials, and next generation sensors, for autonomously improved pointing accuracy and power generation in space. The smart panels will enable fine angle control, and thermal and vibration compensation, improving all types of future Earth observations, such as environmental and planetary mapping, border and regional imaging. This new technology will help keep Europe on the cutting edge of space research, potentially improving the cost and development time for more accurate future sensor platforms including synthetic aperture optics, moving target detection and identification, and compact radars. The system components include new nanosatellite electronics, a piezo power generation system, a piezo actuated smart structure, and a fiber-optic sensor and interrogator system. The designs will be prototyped into breadboard models for functional development and testing. Following completion of operational breadboards, components will evolve to flight-test ready hardware and related software, ready to be integrated into a working satellite. Once the nanosatellite is assembled, on ground tests will be performed. Finally, the satellite will be launched and tested in space. Results of the program will be disseminated to industry through a project website, papers, courses, and presentations. Actuated “smart structure” technology will take the first steps toward space qualification in the PEASSS project, making it a proven viable technology, with a high TRL available to improve future European space missions. PEASSS technologies will give European space, aviation, and other industries a new tool in their design repertoire. The PEASSS consortium aligns established aerospace contributing organizations with SME’s and university researchers, including members from Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, as well as Israel.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A European consortium funded by the EU is developing and testing CubeSat systems that combine many new technologies that have never been applied in a space environment before.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

CubeSats are usually inexpensive and quick to build, and they can easily be placed in orbit with a launch already scheduled for larger satellites. This type of miniaturised satellite is thought of as disposable tiny spacecraft that are delivered to orbit and, after their mission is completed, burn up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere. But an EU-funded team of researchers have a long-term plan for CubeSats.

Within the 'Piezoelectric assisted smart satellite structure' (http://peasss.eu/ (PEASSS)) project, the team is designing, manufacturing, testing and qualifying smart structures that will enable precise pointing and power generation. For a particular satellite structure to be defined as 'intelligent', it should be able to monitor the Earth's space environment and to gather the information needed to react suitably.

To carry out these tasks, the variable structure must be equipped with sensors, hardware and software for data acquisition and analysis, and an actuation system. Specifically, sensors should monitor the structure attitude and provide mechanical loads, vibrations, temperatures and other system status readings. The actuation of the structure would minimise the effects of unusual load conditions and reduce fatigue.

The technological readiness of piezoelectric actuators and fibre optic sensors prompted researchers to test their capabilities when integrated into a CubeSat. Since 2013, when the PEASSS project was initiated, extensive research work has been carried out to embed both micro-actuators and next-generation sensors into composite panels.

Piezoelectric actuators embedded in a composite panel, rather than bonded to the outer skin, is a new technology for space that enables pointing accuracy and stability. Embedded fibre optic sensors are also cutting-edge, allowing structural health monitoring without wiring. The electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric materials when subjected to mechanical strain can power the distributed sensor network.

The PEASSS system designs have been prototyped on a breadboard before they evolve to hardware and software ready to be integrated into a working nanosatellite. Once the CubeSat is assembled, additional tests will be performed in the laboratory. Finally, the satellite will be launched at the end of 2015 with a mission lasting as long as 12 months or even longer.