1 Evolution of Multi-Mission Nanosatellite Ground Segment Operations

Studies (UTIAS) has been a pioneer in nanosatellite technologies since the first 1-kg “CubeSat ” nanosatellites were conceived and designed. Since the launch of its first nanosatellite in 2003, SFL has launched three more nanosatellites, ranging in size from 3 to 7 kg and spanning different generations of technology. At least ten more nanosatellite missions will be launched by SFL over the next several years. Each generation of nanosatellite platform technology has not only redefined the state of the art in terms of technological maturity and performance, but also in the aggressiveness, timeliness, and operational relevance of the missions that are undertaken. This advance in technologies is now opening up new applications that were previously not feasible or required substantially larger investments. Along with these platform advances must come evolution in the approaches and technologies used to support them and achieve the mission. Early nanosatellites were frequently designed around single-string ground segments, namely a single mission control facility utilizing a single co-located Earth station to operate a single nanosatellite. While this approach is a good solution for very low cost technology development and demonstratio