On the use of a variable coefficient of reflectivity associated with an augmented area-to-mass ratio to de-orbit CubeSats

Author(s)

Silva Neto, J. B. ; Prado, A. F. B. A. ; Sanchez, D. M. ; Formiga, J. K. S. ; IOP

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WAKE CONFERENCE 2021; v. 911, p. 6-pg., 2017-01-01.

Abstract

The number of missions involving CubeSats increases each year, including Brazilian missions. The simplification of the projects, aiming smaller structures and less weight, makes the missions of CubeSats cheaper compared to large satellites. Another point is that, in recent years, the concern about the increase of objects in orbit becomes important, since operational satellites and upper stage of launchers that populate the Low Earth Orbit region (LEO region) are more numerous. To try to reduce the impact of this problem, there is a consensus that objects in LEO region should re-enter in the atmosphere within 25 years. This is becoming a limit for projects of CubeSats. In this scenario, the present paper presents an alternative to this problem, which is the use of devices of area augmentation and/or variation of the coefficient of reflectivity in a CubeSat. By using these devices, it is possible, even in regions where the air density is not sufficiently large or where there is no more atmosphere, to force the decay of a CubeSat. Then, one can carry out missions of CubeSat to aim for higher altitudes than current missions, expanding the possibilities of applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/15675-1 - MAPPING AND CONTROL OF SPACE DEBRIS: CONSEQUENCES TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SPACE PROGRAM
• Grantee: Jorge Kennety Silva Formiga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/07248-6 - STUDY OF ORBITS FOR SPACE VEHICLES TRAVELLING AROUND ASTEROIDS
• Grantee: José Batista da Silva Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/08171-3 - Orbital dynamics of minor bodies
• Grantee: Othon Cabo Winter
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/22295-5 - Study of the dynamics of artificial satellites around triple systems
• Grantee: Diogo Merguizo Sanchez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/14665-2 - Astrodynamics applied to space vehicles.
• Grantee: Antônio Fernando Bertachini de Almeida Prado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants