Development and design challenges in VELOX-I nanosatellite

Abstract

VELOX-I is a student built 3U Cubesat in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. It has been successfully launched in 30 June 2014. The VELOX-I development process has been improved through the past picosatellite development and operation experience. However, the design of several key components has to be carefully considered as the VELOX-I have more complex missions and payloads. This paper discusses the challenges of VELOX-I design, and the alternative solution proposed by the team. These challenges include the in-house design deployment mechanism, optical extension tube, multi-layer insulator and impact of 3U Cubesat structure on the communication system. Each design is required to meet several requirements such as operating temperature, overall thickness and satellite mass. In summary, the success of VELOX-I ground contact and primary payload mission have proven the flight heritage of the presented design solutions.