CanX-4/-5: Mission Simulation, Intersatellite Separation System, Hardware Integration and Testing

The CanX-4/-5 mission currently under development at the Space Flight Laboratory will demonstrate sub-metre formation control in four separate formations consisting of two nanosatellites. Formation maintenance is performed using a propulsion payload providing one axis of thrust, resulting in frequent slewing to meet thrust targets. Navigation is GPS dependent, with both satellites equipped with a receiver and antenna pair. Presented is a mission simulation developed for evaluating formation flying algorithm performance and the effects of frequent slewing on GPS coverage. CanX-4 and CanX-5 will be joined for commissioning prior to commencing formation flying via a mechanism, the Intersatellite Separation System. Details regarding the performance testing and troubleshooting of the system are described. Integration and testing of CanX-4/-5 flight hardware into a functional “FlatSat” is presented. Additionally, a description of satellite operations for two nanosatellites is given, with an emphasis on the relevance to the work performed for the CanX-4/-5 mission.MAS