Satellite Configuration Design

Abstract

This chapter discusses the process of integration of the subsystem components and development of the satellite configuration to achieve a final layout for a satellite; the process will be applied on a test case and it is called “Small Sat”. The Small Sat structural configuration is designed to accommodate all of the mission components. All mechanical requirements are derived from the satellite’s configuration. The process used to create the satellite configuration of Small Sat is described. It begins with mission definition, launch vehicle selection, and subsystem identification. This is followed by a description of the satellite composition, and the major design constraints that guide the configuration design. Then a configuration development process is presented to create the preliminary configuration. Finally, the issued layout drawings and the calculated mass properties for the developed satellite are presented.