Ut ProSat-1: A Platform for Testing Lightweight Deployable Composite Structures

This paper details the mission, challenges during the design process, and lessons learned from the development of an upcoming 3U cubesat from Virginia Tech dubbed Ut ProSat-1, scheduled to launch in 2023 on NG-19. This student-designed, -built, and -operated flight is a follow-on from the VT ThickSat launch in February 2021, incorporating lessons learned and upgrading specific experiments. The mission science goal is to demonstrate the reusability of lightweight deployable space structures for solar sails, antennas, and other extended components as well as characterizing the dynamic properties of the deployed structure while in space. In addition, the team has set a goal for this mission to serve as a starting point towards developing a reliable satellite bus to host payloads for Virginia Tech researchers as a continuous learning and improvement program. The inclusion of multiple payloads necessitated a modular approach to spacecraft design that included the development of a standalone payload control module apart from the satellite flight computer. This allows future spacecraft using this design to host multiple payloads operated independently, helping to reduce the cost of a flight for any single payload. Several challenges made the design, test, and build process difficult for the team, including only a year of development time from first design to final delivery, a short operational window in space before de-orbiting, and uncertain launch and power parameters. This put the 20-person team comprised of graduate and undergraduate students to the test with fast-paced parallel development of both the satellite core unit and payloads. This study on the development and design process presents a retrospective of the project and highlights the upcoming mission goals from the perspective of the project manager and development team leads, with the aim to discuss how students can lead the development of small satellites and generate excitement around the mission