Interregional Public Organisation
MICROSPUTNIK

APPROVED

G.M. Tamkovich

Manager of Research and Educational Microsatellite Program,

IPO Microsputnik,
Chairman of Board,
Doctor of Science (Engineering)

EXPRESS-REPORT
on Results of the Russian/Australian Research and Educational Microsatellite Kolibri-2000 Mission

Moscow

2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
1.	ABOUT MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL MICROSATELLITE PROGRAM AND TASKS OF MICROSATELLITE KOLIBRI-2000 MISSION
2.	BASIC RESULTS OF PRE-FLIGHT AUTONOMOUS AND INTEGRATED TESTS, AND PRELAUNCH PREPARATION AT COSMODROME
3.	MICROSATELLITE INTEGRATION ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL LEGAL STANDARDS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
4.	SPACE EXPERIMENT TO SUPPORT MICROSATELLITE LAUNCH
5.	CONTROL OF MICROSATELLITE AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT
6.	BASIC RESULTS OF MICROSATELLITE FLIGHT-DESIGN TESTS
7.	BASIC RESULTS OF THE EDICATIONAL PROGRAM
8.	BASIC RESULTS OF RESEARCH PROGRAM
9.	REVEALED PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
10.	NEAR-TERM PROSPECTS OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

 

INTRODUCTION

Research and educational microsatellite Kolibri-2000, that separated from Progress M1-7 transport cargo vehicle in the night from the 19^th into the 20^th of March 2002, performed 711 revolutions around the earth, and early in the morning on the 4^th of May 2002 made a destructive reentry over the Pacific Ocean area.

Many research and development, test, production and educational organizations were involved in the development, testing and operation of the Russian/Australian microsatelliteа Kolibri-2000 and its ground segment:

ћ       IKI RAS (Moscow)

ћ       SKB KP IKI RAS (Tarusa)

ћ       S.P.Korolev RSC Energia (Korolev)

ћ       NIIYaF MGU (Moscow)

ћ       NILAKT ROSTO (Kaluga)

ћ       NPO Machinostroenie (Reutov)

ћ       KB Polet ( Оmsk)

ћ       NPF Маg-sensor (St. Petersburg)

ћ       АК Rigel (St. Petersburg)

ћ       TsNIIMachinostroenie (Korolev)

ћ       TsUP TsNIIMachinostroenie (Korolev)

ћ       RG NIITsPK after Yu.А. Gagarin (Star City)

ћ       GNTs IBMP (Moscow)

ћ       IZMIRRAN (Troitsk)

ћ       IATE (Obninsk)

ћ       Obninsk satellite educational project incorporating the school of physics and technology and school of computer technologies Gelios,

ћ       Sidney satellite educational project incorporating Knox Grammar School (for boys) and Ravenswood Girls School (for girls).

For arrangement and coordination of the project-related activities a new organization was established, i.e. the Interregional Public Organization 'Association of Specialists and Young People for Creative Research in Space Technologies, Microsputnik' (IPO Microsputnik).

Microsatellite Kolibri-2000 paves the way to a fundamentally new direction of spacecraft building, i.e. development of research and educational microsatellites in the interests of space science, and considerable improvement of aerospace education of the young people based on space and computer technologies. The microsatellite is the first model of a new family of microsatellites, it has been constructed in the frame of the Research and Educational Microsatellite Program (identified as Kolibri-1 Project) with support of the International Aeronautic Federation and Russian Cosmonautics Federation.

Basic Performance of Microsatellite Kolibri-2000:

1.      Mass - 20.5 kg, including

• Three-component flux-gate magnetometer (TFM) - 0.8 kg;
• Particle and field analyzer (PFA) - 2.8 kg;
• Magnetogravitational system of single-axis attitude and stabilization - 2.7 kg;
• Structure and service systems - 14.2 kg;

2.      Power capacity of solar arrays (0.5 m²) is 30-60 W;

3.      Single-axis attitude control system is no less that + 10^о;

4.      Radio link of 145/435 МHz.

The injection of microsatellite Kolibri-2000 into orbit from Progress M1-7 transport cargo vehicle, that followed the Progress M1-7 operations of the transport and logistics support of the International Space Station, is a demonstrative example of new capabilities to inject relatively small satellites into orbit. Distinctive peculiarities of this method are specific utilization of the intravehicular activity of the crewmembers, as well as the use of the original transport and launch container developed in Special Design Space Instrument-Making Bureau of the Institute of Space Research (IKI) of RAS with the participation of specialists of S.P. Korolev RSC Energia.

During the microsatellite operation 256 radio communication sessions were conducted from the Lead Ground Control Station at NILAKT ROSTO (Kaluga), as well as more that 10 communication sessions with the data receiving and processing stations at SKB KP IKI (Таrusa), two Australian schools (Sidney) and Obninsk schools.

New data on the Earth magnetic filed fluctuations and energy particle fluxes during strong geomagnetic disturbances occurred on the 17^th and 23^rd of April was acquired. Data on the impact of the disturbed Earth atmosphere on the character and rate of the microsatellite orbital change was reviewed.

In addition, the Colins joint program was on-line coordinated between participants of the Kolibri Project and NASA-sponsored INSPERE educational program. On the 1^st and 2^nd of May in the course of the joint Program, when the microsatellite was flying over the New Zealand, concurrent measurements of energy particles (PFA) and magnetic field (TFM) on the Kolibri microsatellite were made. They were coordinated with the D ionosphere (80-100 km) investigations based on the data of the unique magnetic antenna of the Physics Department of Otago University.

In general, it can be stated that the objectives of the Microsatellite Program concerning the development of the first microsatellite and its ground segment, as well as the flight tasks of microsatellite Kolibri-2000 were completely fulfilled. In so doing, regarding the scheduled Project-related activities the following results were obtained:

ћ        Successful results of the pre-flight autonomous and integrated ground tests, as well as pre-launch preparation at the cosmodrome were realized

ћ      Integration of the microsatellite in the transport and launch container according to the International legal standards of the International Space Station, including the safety certification, was implemented

ћ        Space experiment to support the microsatellite launch was realized

ћ        Control of the microsatellite autonomous flight was organized and successfully implemented

ћ        Flight and design tests of the microsatellite were conducted

ћ        The implementation of the educational program was started and its first results as applied to the first satellite mission were obtained

ћ        Research Program Kolibri-2000 was fulfilled

ћ        Major problems were revealed and their solutions were identified

ћ        Near-term prospects of the Program development were determined.

 

1. ABOUT MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL MICROSATELLITE PROGRAM AND TASKS OF MICROSATELLITE KOLIBRI-2000 MISSION

The implementation of the Russian/Australian school space project pointed to the necessity from the very beginning to identify the main project objectives and tasks, features and contents of project components, which would meet up to date requirements in terms of relevance and available capabilities. It was concluded that the Russian/Australian school space project should be research and educational by its nature and should become not the only but the first one in the Research and Educational Microsatellite program.

The Research and Educational Microsatellite Program is a fundamentally new trend of space programs, the main emphasis of which is placed on the integrated conceptual development of research and technological creative work of high-school children and students. Cosmonautics is one of the rare area of activity, where each person can find a sphere to apply his own abilities. Through acquisition of knowledge and experience, specific work allows him to have a gradual improvement of his abilities and become a high-professional specialist in the chosen research area.

The state-of-the-art of the research and technological progress makes it possible to adapt the issues related to satellite development and operation, as well as its control and data acquisition processes to the educational programs. Therefore, the formation of the Research and Educational Microsatellite Program is not only reasonable, but rather relevant for the present day.

Cosmonautics is in intensive progress, and today it is hard to image the mankind evolution without using the space activity results. A great advance in the development of microelectronics, mass application of microprocessors, spread of space technologies, availability of space system elements gave rise to possible solution of a wide range of urgent tasks by using microsatellites. They are widely used in satellite communication, remote sensing, space physics and technology, education, etc. Microsatellites can be developed by small teams and within a short period of time.

The Research and Educational Microsatellite Program is very important and useful for the cosmonautics itself. Space exploration will be more efficient, if highly educated specialists interested in space science and technology are engaged in it. Education is a more effective way of brining this understanding home to a person, therefore, his initiation to space should start at school. The implementation of a long-term Research and Educational Microsatellite Program aimed at realization of space projects incorporating development and launch of microsatellites and deployment of ground control, data receiving and processing complexes, which will aid in efficient solution of a wide range of scientific, technological and educational tasks, should become a part of this initiation.

The Research and Educational Microsatellite Program offers a simple open access to scientific and telemetry information received from the satellite.

The Program incorporates the implementation of several projects and foresees a launch of five microsatellites within five-seven years. In so doing, the Russian/Australian research and educational Project Kolibri-2000 is the first project in the frame of the Program (Kolibri-1), and microsatellite Kolibri-2000 is a basic model in structure, service systems, way of launch and interaction with the ground control, data receiving and processing stations.

The satellite structure and service systems, as well as principle of its operation in general should have no sophisticated elements, but should meet high modern requirements for satellites of a similar class.

The ground control complex and school data receiving and processing stations should be built on a basis of transceivers widely used in radio amateur complexes, and universally used personal computers. Separate software fragments can be developed by schoolchildren and students involved in the program. At the same time the microsatellite program cannot be simplified, because one of its main objectives is to gradually extend abilities of schoolchildren.

A complex of microsatellite research hardware should be selected based on the same criteria. On the one hand, the hardware should be small-sized and simple, but on the other hand, it should make it possible to receive real relevant scientific data, process and interpret it.

In addition, the development and operational cost of the microsatellite and relevant ground station, as well as the launch cost should be minimized in order to be consistent with the cost for the educational programs.

The first mission under the microsatellite Kolibri-2000 Program was essentially aimed at verification of these conceptual program fundamentals in a real flight and performance of flight tests of the basic microsatellite model.

A complex of the research microsatellite Kolibri-2000 hardware generally meets the specified requirements, provides valuable scientific data compatible with the information of other satellites. Scientific equipment for subsequent satellites of this series can be built on a basis of the scientific instruments of microsatellite Kolibri-2000 complex.

The chosen technique of launching the satellite from the Progress transport cargo vehicle providing logistics support to the International Space Station not only allowed to solve the task in a reliable and low-price way, but laid the basis for the microsatellite integration according to the International legal standards. This factor is significant not just as a potential start for further satellites of this series, but also as a means of attraction of the partners participating in the Space Station development, assembly and operation, and, through them, of a wide world community to the Program activities.

 

2. BASIC RESULTS OF PRE-FLIGHT AUTONOMOUS AND INTEGRATED TESTS, AND PRELAUNCH PREPARATION AT COSMODROME

The microsatellite admission to flight as part of the transport cargo vehicle and the International Space Station was preceded by a large scope of activities. The microsatellite passed an expertise and certification as a separate spacecraft and component of the Russian Segment of the International Space Station. The prelaunch preparation and preflight autonomous and integrated tests were performed at the cosmodrome.

The technical expertise of the Kolibri Project had to solve the following tasks:

ћ        Outline analysis of design solutions for the microsatellite as a separate spacecraft;

ћ        Analysis of mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces of the microsatellite and the cargo vehicle;

ћ        Analysis of the design and ergonomic solutions taken in development of the transport and launch container and microsatellite, and used materials;

ћ        Investigation of interference between the transport and launch container with the microsatellite and the cargo vehicle;

ћ        Integration of the microsatellite into the Russian Segment of the International Space Station;

ћ        Determination of feasibility of the Kolibri microsatellite launch as per the proposed concept;

ћ        Determination of the main areas of the scientific and engineering studies to support the development of the Research and Educational Program of microsatellites developed on a basis of microsatellite  Kolibri-2000.

In so doing, the microsatellite and Progress M1-7 safety-related solutions were subjected to a more thorough expertise.

The expertise was conducted in the course of:

ћ        Analysis of the design, engineering and operational documentation for the transport cargo vehicle and Kolibri microsatellite;

ћ        Technical consultations with the documentation developers;

ћ        Meetings with the Project developers (IKI RAS, SKB КP IKI RAS, NILAKT RОSТО);

ћ        Joint participation in ground tests of the Kolibri microsatellite equipment on dedicated stands provided by SKB КP IKI RAS and on the integrated stand of the checkout and test facility;

ћ        Mock-up design of the flight transport and launch container in Progress M1-7 vehicle at the checkout and test facility;

ћ        Development test of integration of the transport and launch container with the microsatellite on the docking assembly of the cargo vehicle during training sessions of the prime and backup crews (ISS-4) at Yu.A. Gagarin RGNII TsPK  with participation of specialists from SKB КP IKI RAN.

To verify the results of the technical expertise of the Kolibri Project, S.P. Korolev RSC Energia departments issued dedicated certificates on:

ћ        Ballistics-related safety of the Kolibri Project

ћ        Systems extending and separating the Kolibri microsatellite;

ћ        Loads on the Kolibri microsatellite;

ћ        Design solutions made for the transport and launch container with the Kolibri microsatellite with regard to their functionality, safety and reliability;

ћ        Results of Kolibri microsatellite thermal control analysis;

ћ        Safety of the materials used in the transport and launch container and microsatellite;

ћ        Power supply system of the Kolibri microsatellite;

ћ        Ergonomics;

ћ        Scientific hardware;

ћ        Installation of the transport and launch container with the microsatellite on the cargo vehicle docking assembly ring.

The analysis of conclusions made in the dedicated project expertise certificates allowed to state that:

ћ        There are no radical problems, which could impede the experiment performance, and the vehicle systems parameters as a whole satisfy the experiment conditions;

ћ        In terms of the functionality, safety and reliability assurance, the solutions made in development of the design, systems and mechanisms of the transport and launch container and microsatellite are optimal;

ћ        Proposed trajectory plan for the experiment performance assures safety of the International Space Station, cargo vehicle and microsatellite in all mission phases in nominal and off-nominal situations;

ћ        The scope of studies and their results confirm the expediency of developing the Research and Educational Microsatellite Program based on the Kolibri Project.

For the microsatellite certification the following certificates were issued:

- Certificates for admission to full-scale tests concerning:

         Sanitary-hygienic expertise;

         Fire safety;

         Radiation safety;