Main design characteristics of small scientific and applied-purpose spacecraft based on the Aist-2 unified platform

The description of the unified platform of small spacecraft AIST-2 is presented. The platform is intended to accommodate various types of science equipment, Earth remote sensing equipment and onboard support systems. The description of the unified platform design, main onboard systems, ground control facilities, data acquisition and processing is given. The results of design studies, construction and operation of small spacecraft built on the basis of the AIST-2 unified platform are presented. The design, onboard composition, technical characteristics and results of operation of the first small spacecraft in the line – AIST-2D which it was launched on April 28, 2016 in the scope of the first launch campaign from the Vostochny Cosmodrome by the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with the Volga ascent unit are described in detail. The results of design studies on the development of advanced small spacecraft based on the AIST-2 platform capable of functioning as part of the space monitoring system are described. Key words: small spacecraft, unified platform, design configuration, remote sensing of the Earth, stereoscopic image equipment, electro-rocket propulsion system.