Biomedical standardized cubesat platform and working method
By integrating biological sample culture, environmental control, and real-time monitoring functions through the modular design and standardized interfaces of the 3U CubeSat architecture, the system solves the compatibility, cost, and cycle issues of existing platforms, enabling low-cost and efficient space biomedical experiments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511869949.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing space biomedical experimental platforms suffer from problems such as poor compatibility due to non-standardized interfaces, limitations in experimental efficiency due to non-proprietary platforms, high costs and lengthy cycles, and insufficient scalability and automation, making it difficult to support multi-generational sample iteration experiments and real-time data analysis.
It adopts a 3U CubeSat architecture with a modular design, integrating a satellite bus module, an energy and environmental control life support module, and a biological experiment module. It uses standardized interfaces to achieve blind plug-in connection, integrates biological sample culture, environmental control and real-time monitoring functions, and supports data transmission.
It enables low-cost, rapid-response space biomedical experiments, improves the platform's versatility and interchangeability, ensures the reliability and automation of experiments, and reduces launch costs and R&D cycles.
Smart Images
Figure CN121849381A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and its operating method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the main technology platforms for conducting space biomedical experiments fall into the following two categories:
[0003] I. Large manned spacecraft platforms (space station / spacecraft)
[0004] Space stations (such as the International Space Station, ISS) are currently the core platform for conducting space biomedical experiments. The space station's structure consists of: an experimental module, a life support system, a temperature control unit, and a human operation interface. The experimental module is equipped with a universal support frame (such as the EXPRESS Rack) that connects experimental devices via mechanical / electrical interfaces. The life support system maintains temperature, humidity, and gas circulation. Astronauts are responsible for sample loading, replacement, and equipment maintenance. The space station's workflow is as follows: biological samples (such as cells and microorganisms) are loaded into customized experimental kits, which are then transported to the space station by cargo spacecraft. Astronauts install the kits, initiate pre-set procedures, and transmit experimental data back to Earth via relay satellites.
[0005] II. Traditional Satellite Platform
[0006] Some biological experiments are conducted using dedicated scientific satellites. These satellites consist of a customized satellite bus and a biological experiment module. The experimental module typically includes a sealed culture chamber, sensors (such as those for collecting temperature, pH, and images), a power supply unit, and a communication unit. For example, one cell culture satellite uses a three-layer insulation structure to enclose the culture chamber, where a microfluidic chip controls the nutrient solution supply and a camera records cell morphology changes. The workflow of the dedicated scientific satellite is as follows: after launch and into orbit, experiments are remotely initiated via ground commands. After acquiring sensor data, the onboard processor compresses the data, resulting in compressed sensor data that is then transmitted back to Earth.
[0007] However, the aforementioned existing technologies have significant limitations, mainly in the following aspects:
[0008] (1) Non-standardized interfaces lead to poor compatibility. Specifically, the space station experiment interface requires customized mechanical / electrical adapters, and different projects need to be designed repeatedly, resulting in a long development cycle. The satellite platform payload interface has no unified standard, which leads to the mismatch between the power supply / communication protocol of the biological experiment module and the satellite bus. An additional adapter module needs to be designed, which increases the system complexity and failure risk.
[0009] (2) The non-proprietary nature of the platform restricts the experimental efficiency. Specifically, the space station platform is centered on manned missions. Biological experiments need to compete for limited cabin resources (such as power and bandwidth) and are limited by the astronauts' operating time, making it difficult to achieve high-frequency sampling. Traditional satellite platforms have not been optimized for biological sample requirements, such as lacking real-time temperature control feedback or microfluidic dynamic regulation capabilities, which can easily lead to cell culture instability. Therefore, an additional environmental control and life support subsystem needs to be integrated into the biological experimental payload.
[0010] (3) High cost and long cycle. Specifically, the cost of a single launch for space station experiments is extremely high; biological experimental payloads require special launch opportunities to ensure the delivery of live experimental samples, which limits the selection of launch windows for traditional satellite platforms; the average time from design to on-orbit operation is 2-3 years, which cannot respond to sudden scientific needs (such as space verification of disease models).
[0011] (4) Insufficient scalability and automation. Specifically, existing platforms are difficult to support multi-generation sample iteration experiments (e.g., bacterial passage culture), lack on-orbit analysis capabilities (e.g., gene sequencing), and samples need to be returned to the ground for analysis, which easily leads to the loss of real-time data of the microgravity environment; traditional satellite platforms rely on ground command control, with response delays of up to several hours, which cannot meet the dynamic regulation needs of biological experiments. Summary of the Invention
[0012] The purpose of this application is to provide a standardized biomedical CubeSat platform and its working method, which is designed specifically for biomedical experiments in a microgravity environment. Through a standardized and modular CubeSat structure, it integrates functions such as biological sample culture, environmental control, real-time monitoring and data transmission, providing low-cost and rapid-response technical support for space life science experiments.
[0013] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a standardized biomedical CubeSat platform, employing a 3U CubeSat architecture. The 3U CubeSat architecture features a modular stacked layout, with a top layer, middle layer, and bottom layer arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The top layer houses a satellite bus module, the middle layer a power and environmental control / life support module, and the bottom layer a biological experiment module. All three modules—the satellite bus module, the power and environmental control / life support module, and the biological experiment module—are equipped with mechanical interfaces, electrical interfaces, and data interfaces. These modules are connected via mechanical interfaces for blind-plug, detachable, and fixed connections. The satellite bus module... The data interface enables bidirectional communication with both the energy and environmental control / life support module and the biological experiment module; the satellite bus module also communicates with the ground station; the energy and environmental control / life support module supplies power to both the satellite bus module and the biological experiment module via electrical interfaces, and provides oxygen, water, and environmental control support to the biological experiment module via a fluid transmission channel; the satellite bus module is used for on-orbit control command parsing, experimental data processing and transmission, and fault handling; the energy and environmental control / life support module is used to regulate the temperature and gas concentration required for biological experiments; the biological experiment module is used to carry out biological sample cultivation and on-orbit monitoring, adapting to the space radiation environment.
[0014] As shown above, the 3U CubeSat architecture has external dimensions of 100×100×340mm. 3 .
[0015] As mentioned above, the mechanical interface uses a PC / 104 standard DIN rail, which conforms to ISO 17981:2024. The PC / 104 standard DIN rail has a tolerance of ±0.1 mm and supports blind mating between adjacent modules. The electrical interface uses a 12V / 5V dual redundant power supply bus, which is compatible with the MIL-STD-704F aerospace power supply standard, with a maximum single-channel current carrying capacity of 30A. The data interface uses a SpaceWire bus as the main transmission channel, with a transmission rate of 200Mbps. A CAN 2.0B bus is also configured as a redundant backup channel for data transmission to ensure communication reliability.
[0016] As described above, the satellite bus module includes at least: an S-band transceiver, an ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and radiation-resistant NAND Flash. The S-band transceiver, ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and radiation-resistant NAND Flash are all powered by the energy and environmental control / life support module. Specifically, the S-band transceiver receives on-orbit control commands from the ground station via the satellite's external antenna when visible from the ground station's antenna. Simultaneously, it integrates processed experimental data, system self-test information, and equipment status information into data packets and sends them to the ground station, ensuring the stability and real-time performance of two-way communication between Earth and space. The ARM Cortex-R5 processor is used to parse on-orbit control commands; process satellite flight control commands, ensuring the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler in the temperature control unit is on the shaded side; schedule the satellite bus module to work collaboratively with the energy and environmental control / life support module and the biological experiment module; perform on-orbit preprocessing and analysis of biological experiment data and environmental monitoring data to obtain processed experimental data; execute fault diagnosis and emergency handling logic; and perform experimental data packetization and encryption. The radiation-resistant NAND Flash... Flash: Used to reliably store raw experimental data, equipment parameter configuration information, and on-orbit operation logs, and to transmit them synchronously when the ground station can communicate, avoiding data loss or storage failure caused by radiation; the on-orbit operation log includes at least the self-test information of each system and the status information of the equipment.
[0017] As shown above, the satellite bus module board adopts the PC / 104 standard board design; the satellite bus module is completely covered with an electromagnetic protection layer.
[0018] As described above, the energy and environmental control / life support module includes at least: an energy unit, a temperature control unit, a gas regulation unit, and a humidity maintenance unit. The energy unit includes: a lithium battery pack and solar panels; the lithium battery pack is connected to the solar panels; the solar panels are used for on-orbit energy replenishment and store electrical energy in the lithium battery pack, which powers the satellite bus module, the biological experiment module, and other components in the energy and environmental control / life support module. The temperature control unit includes: an electric heating device, a semiconductor cooling chip, and a PID control algorithm; the PID control algorithm dynamically adjusts the operating status of the semiconductor cooling chip and the electric heating device based on real-time monitoring of temperature data within the culture chamber of the biological experiment module. The operating status includes at least: start / stop and power, to counteract interference from the space thermal environment. The system achieves precise and stable temperature control within the culture chamber. The gas control unit comprises an electrochemical O2 sensor, an electrochemical CO2 sensor, and a MEMS micropump. The electrochemical O2 and electrochemical CO2 sensors collect real-time data on the partial pressure of O2 and the concentration of CO2 within the culture chamber of the biological experiment module. This data is then sent to a dedicated control component in the gas control unit. Combined with closed-loop control logic, the operating status of the MEMS micropump is dynamically adjusted. This, along with CO2 chemical treatment, enables precise and stable control of gas parameters within the culture chamber, while preventing gas and liquid leakage. The humidity maintenance unit includes a capillary evaporator. This capillary evaporator stabilizes the humidity within the chamber through capillary adsorption and physical evaporation, providing a suitable growth environment for biological samples.
[0019] As mentioned above, if precise attitude control is required, a satellite attitude control subsystem can be selected from the energy and environmental control and life support module. The satellite attitude control subsystem is powered by the energy and environmental control and life support module, and the precise adjustment and stable maintenance of the on-orbit attitude of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform can be achieved through the satellite attitude control subsystem.
[0020] As described above, the biological experiment module adopts a typical biological experiment module, which includes a cell culture unit, a fruit fly culture chamber, a nematode culture unit, a fine control module, and an enhanced data transmission interface. The cell culture unit integrates a microfluidic chip, a first CMOS microscope camera, and a nutrient solution supply system. The microfluidic chip provides a sterile culture microenvironment, adaptable to liquid culture mode. The nutrient solution supply system achieves precise replenishment and circulation. The first CMOS microscope camera captures image data in real time, and the image data is pre-processed and transmitted to the satellite bus module. The image data includes at least: images of cell morphological changes and proliferation status. The fruit fly culture chamber adopts a layered rearing cage structure, equipped with an automatic replenishment system and waste collection bags. The layered design improves space utilization. The automatic replenishment system provides nutrients to the fruit flies at regular intervals, and the waste collection bags centrally collect metabolic waste, ensuring a clean environment within the chamber and adapting to solid culture mode and group rearing needs. The nematode culture unit includes a surface laser-etched microgroove culture chamber, a double-filter isolation layer for larvae and adults, and a waste liquid... The system comprises a collection trap, a second CMOS microscope camera, a ring LED array, a multi-channel peristaltic pump assembly, and nutrient / drug storage tanks. Laser-etched microgrooves in the culture chambers provide a dedicated growth space for the nematodes. A dual-filter isolation layer separates larvae and adults at different developmental stages. A waste collection trap collects metabolic waste. The ring LED array, in conjunction with the second CMOS microscope camera, enables high-definition imaging of the nematode growth process. The multi-channel peristaltic pump assembly precisely controls the amount and timing of nutrient / drug replenishment. A refined control module receives precise control commands from the satellite bus module and, in conjunction with the dynamic environmental control of the energy and environmental life support modules, achieves fully automated control of the experimental process for each culture unit. This fully automated control includes at least: nutrient replenishment frequency adjustment, camera shooting interval setting, and drug action time control. An enhanced data transmission interface establishes a high-speed bidirectional communication link with the satellite bus module, transmitting unit operating status information, image data, and experimental process data, while simultaneously receiving on-orbit control commands forwarded by the satellite bus module.
[0021] This application also provides a working method for a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, applied to the aforementioned biomedical standardized CubeSat platform. The working method includes the following steps: S1: After launch and entry into orbit, the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform initiates a self-test procedure to check the working status of the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control / life support module, and biological experiment module; S2: If the self-test passes, biological sample culture is initiated according to a preset experimental protocol. The energy and environmental control / life support module maintains the required temperature and gas concentration for the experiment, and the biological experiment module completes on-orbit monitoring data acquisition. The satellite bus module processes the on-orbit monitoring data and transmits it back to the ground station in real time, while simultaneously storing it locally; S3: If the self-test fails, a safety mode is initiated, awaiting on-orbit control commands from the ground station.
[0022] As described above, the energy and environmental control / life support module monitors the temperature inside the culture chamber of the biological experiment module in real time through the temperature control unit. Temperature stability is determined when the temperature fluctuation is controlled within the preset experimental target temperature range. If the temperature remains stable for less than the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters do not meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The satellite bus module immediately triggers a temperature alarm, interrupts the biological sample culture process, and controls the temperature control unit to adjust the liquid and gas flow temperatures. Once the temperature returns to the preset experimental target temperature range and remains stable for a preset second duration, the culture process is restarted. If the temperature remains stable within the preset experimental target temperature range and does not fall below the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform then collects and transmits monitoring data at a preset frequency to ensure the continuity and reliability of the experimental data.
[0023] The beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:
[0024] (1) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application are designed specifically for biomedical experiments in the microgravity environment of space. Through a standardized and modular CubeSat structure, it integrates functions such as biological sample culture, environmental control, real-time monitoring and data transmission, providing low-cost and rapid response technical support for space life science experiments.
[0025] (2) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application adopt a three-layer standardized interface protocol (i.e., mechanical interface, electrical interface and data interface), which eliminates the need for customized adaptation between modules, realizes blind plug-in detachable connection of each functional module, greatly improves the platform's universality and interchangeability, and reduces the cost of later maintenance and upgrades. That is, the interface is standardized and has strong adaptability.
[0026] (3) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application, through the exclusive resource design (i.e., the resources of the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module and biological experiment module are dedicated to biomedical experiments, without other unrelated functions occupying them), specifically meet the core needs of space biomedical experiments for environmental stability and sample culture professionalism, and ensure the reliability and effectiveness of on-orbit experiments, that is, the design is proprietary and the experiment is accurately adapted.
[0027] (4) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application rely on the CubeSat platform carpooling launch mode and modular pre-integration capability, which eliminates the need to apply for launch resources separately and significantly reduces mission launch costs; at the same time, the modular design shortens the platform development and assembly cycle, enabling rapid response to experimental needs, i.e. cost cycle optimization and outstanding practicality.
[0028] (5) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application support real-time analysis of on-orbit data, multi-generation culture of biological samples and real-time control of experimental parameters, breaking through the functional limitations of traditional space experiments, meeting the needs of diverse experimental scenarios, reducing ground intervention, and improving the automation and intelligence level of experimental processes, that is, high functional scalability and automation. Attached Figure Description
[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.
[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform;
[0031] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the working method of a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0033] like Figure 1As shown, this application provides a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, adopting a 3U CubeSat architecture. The 3U CubeSat architecture features a modular stacked layout, with a top layer, middle layer, and bottom layer arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The top layer houses a satellite bus module, the middle layer a power and environmental control / life support module, and the bottom layer a biological experiment module. All three modules are equipped with mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces. The satellite bus module, power and environmental control / life support module, and biological experiment module are connected via blind-plug, detachable, and fixed connections through mechanical interfaces. The satellite bus module communicates with data... The interface enables bidirectional communication with both the energy and environmental control / life support module and the biological experiment module; the satellite bus module also communicates with the ground station; the energy and environmental control / life support module supplies power to both the satellite bus module and the biological experiment module via electrical interfaces, and provides oxygen, water, and environmental control support to the biological experiment module via a fluid transmission channel; the satellite bus module is used for on-orbit control command parsing, experimental data processing and transmission, and fault handling; the energy and environmental control / life support module is used to regulate the temperature and gas concentration required for biological experiments; the biological experiment module is used to carry out biological sample cultivation and on-orbit monitoring, adapting to the space radiation environment.
[0034] Specifically, the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform of this application is based on a 3U CubeSat architecture and integrates reconfigurable functional modules through standardized interfaces (i.e., mechanical interfaces, electrical interfaces, and data interfaces), enabling rapid deployment of various types of space biomedical experiments.
[0035] Furthermore, the specific dimensions of the 3U cube star architecture are set according to actual application requirements. This application preferably specifies that the dimensions of the 3U cube star architecture are 100×100×340mm. 3 .
[0036] Specifically, the 3U CubeSat architecture is the standard framework, such as CP-CDS-R14.1.
[0037] Furthermore, the specific models of the mechanical interface, electrical interface, and data interface are set according to actual needs. This application preferably uses the following: Mechanical interface: PC / 104 standard guide rail, which conforms to ISO 17981:2024 standard, with a mating tolerance of ±0.1 mm, supporting blind mating connection between adjacent modules; Electrical interface: 12V / 5V dual redundant power supply bus, which is compatible with MIL-STD-704F aerospace power supply standard, with a maximum single-channel current carrying capacity of 30A; Data interface: SpaceWire bus as the main transmission channel, with a transmission rate of 200Mbps, and a CAN 2.0B bus as a redundant backup channel for data transmission to ensure communication reliability.
[0038] Furthermore, the board design of the satellite bus module can be flexibly selected according to actual assembly requirements and compatibility requirements. This application preferably adopts the PC / 104 standard board design. The PC / 104 standard board design can form a structural adaptation with the PC / 104 mechanical interface between modules, improving assembly compatibility and interchangeability.
[0039] Furthermore, the satellite bus module is entirely covered with an electromagnetic shielding layer, which can effectively shield against electromagnetic interference in orbit, ensure the stability of the internal circuits and signal transmission, and meet the anti-interference design requirements of spacecraft electronic equipment.
[0040] Furthermore, the satellite bus module includes at least: an S-band transceiver, an ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and radiation-resistant NAND Flash; the S-band transceiver, ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and radiation-resistant NAND Flash are all powered by the energy and environmental control / life support module; the S-band transceiver: when visible from the ground station antenna field of view (i.e., overhead), receives on-orbit control commands from the ground station via the satellite's external antenna, and simultaneously integrates processed experimental data, system self-test information, and equipment status information into data packets and sends them to the ground station, ensuring the stability and real-time performance of two-way communication between space and ground; the ARM Cortex-R5 processor: is used to parse on-orbit control commands; process satellite flight control commands, ensuring the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler in the temperature control unit is on the shaded side; schedule the satellite bus module to work collaboratively with the energy and environmental control / life support module and the biological experiment module; perform on-orbit preprocessing and analysis of biological experiment data and environmental monitoring data to obtain processed experimental data; execute fault diagnosis and emergency handling logic; and perform experimental data packetization and encryption; the radiation-resistant NAND Flash... Flash: Used to reliably store raw experimental data, equipment parameter configuration information, and on-orbit operation logs, and to transmit them synchronously when the ground station can communicate, avoiding data loss or storage failure caused by radiation; the on-orbit operation log includes at least the self-test information of each system and the status information of the equipment.
[0041] Specifically, the satellite bus module supports on-orbit command parsing, real-time experimental data compression, and autonomous fault switching. The S-band transceiver ensures the stability and real-time performance of two-way communication between space and ground; the high real-time performance and low power consumption of the ARM Cortex-R5 processor are adapted to the on-orbit operation requirements of the CubeSat; and the radiation-resistant NAND Flash is a space-grade dedicated storage component with adaptability to the space radiation environment.
[0042] Furthermore, the ARM Cortex-R5 processor is equipped with JPEG2000 and ZIP algorithms, but is not limited to JPEG2000 and ZIP algorithms.
[0043] Specifically, JPEG2000 is the existing image compression standard. ZIP algorithm is a general data compression format.
[0044] Furthermore, the board design of the energy and environmental control life support module can be flexibly selected according to actual assembly needs and compatibility requirements. This application preferably adopts the PC / 104 standard board design. The PC / 104 standard board design can form a structural adaptation with the PC / 104 mechanical interface between modules, improving assembly compatibility and interchangeability.
[0045] Furthermore, the energy and environmental control life support module is entirely covered with an electromagnetic shielding layer, which can effectively shield electromagnetic interference in orbit, ensure the stability of the internal circuits and signal transmission of the module, and meet the anti-interference design requirements of spacecraft electronic equipment.
[0046] Furthermore, the energy and environmental control / life support module includes at least: an energy unit, a temperature control unit, a gas regulation unit, and a humidity maintenance unit; wherein, the energy unit includes: a lithium battery pack and a solar panel; the lithium battery pack is connected to the solar panel; the solar panel is used for on-orbit energy replenishment and stores electrical energy in the lithium battery pack, which powers the satellite bus module, the biological experiment module, and other components in the energy and environmental control / life support module; the temperature control unit includes: an electric heating device, a semiconductor cooling chip, and PID control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative). Control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm; PID control algorithm dynamically adjusts the working state of the semiconductor cooling chip and electric heating device based on real-time monitoring of temperature data in the culture chamber of the biological experiment module. The working state includes at least: start / stop and power, to counteract the interference of the space thermal environment and achieve precise and stable temperature control in the culture chamber; Gas regulation unit: electrochemical O2 sensor, electrochemical CO2 sensor and MEMS micropump (i.e., microelectromechanical system micropump); The electrochemical O2 sensor and electrochemical CO2 sensor respectively collect O2 partial pressure and CO2 concentration data in the culture chamber of the biological experiment module in real time, and send the O2 partial pressure and CO2 concentration data to the dedicated control component of the gas regulation unit. Combined with closed-loop regulation logic, the operating state of the MEMS micropump is dynamically adjusted. With the help of CO2 chemical treatment method, precise and stable control of gas parameters in the culture chamber is achieved, and gas and liquid leakage is avoided; Humidity maintenance unit includes: capillary evaporator; This capillary evaporator stabilizes the humidity in the chamber through capillary adsorption and physical evaporation effect, providing a suitable growth environment for biological samples.
[0047] Specifically, in liquid culture scenarios, the O2 partial pressure and CO2 concentration data correspond to dissolved oxygen and carbonic acid concentrations, respectively. Biological samples include cells, fruit flies, and nematodes, but are not limited to these.
[0048] Furthermore, if precise attitude control is required, a satellite attitude control subsystem can be selected from the energy and environmental control and life support module. The satellite attitude control subsystem is powered by the energy and environmental control and life support module and enables precise adjustment and stable maintenance of the on-orbit attitude of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform. If precise attitude control is not required, the satellite attitude control subsystem can be omitted to simplify the module structure.
[0049] Furthermore, to reduce wiring complexity, the components in the satellite attitude control subsystem used for adjusting satellite attitude are mounted on the satellite motherboard or CubeSat platform frame adjacent to the energy and environmental control / life support modules. The components of the satellite attitude control subsystem are: a momentum wheel and a micro-electric propulsion system. The momentum wheel is used to counteract space environment torques (such as solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag) in real time, enabling rapid stabilization and high-precision pointing control of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform's on-orbit attitude. The micro-electric propulsion system is used for long-term attitude error correction and orbit fine-tuning. Their collaborative operation ensures the accuracy and stability of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform's on-orbit attitude, providing reliable attitude support for biological experiments, data transmission, and other tasks.
[0050] Furthermore, the biological experiment module is designed for adaptability to space radiation environments, and its radiation protection method can be selected according to experimental needs. This application preferably provides two versions of the biological experiment module: a fully enclosed version can isolate space radiation and is suitable for culture experiments of biological samples that are sensitive to radiation; the partially enclosed version allows biological samples to be moderately exposed to the space radiation environment, meeting the experimental needs related to radiation effects. At the same time, the volume specifications of the biological experiment module can be flexibly set. This application preferably provides multiple options such as 0.1U, 0.25U, and 0.5U, and the appropriate specification can be selected according to the actual needs such as the number of samples and the size of the culture device in the biological experiment. Moreover, each preferred volume version is specially designed for specific experimental tasks, such as optimizing the internal flow channel layout and adapting to dedicated monitoring sensors, to ensure the adaptability and practicality of the biological experiment module for different biomedical experimental scenarios.
[0051] Furthermore, the biological experiment module, as the mission execution unit of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, works in conjunction with the satellite bus module and the energy and environmental control / life support module. Its core function is to conduct on-orbit biological sample cultivation and basic experiments. The biological experiment module includes a culture chamber, a basic control interface, and a data transmission interface. The culture chamber is a sealed cavity structure equipped with a removable cover, reserved gas-liquid flow channels and sensor interfaces, and is compatible with the environmental control functions of the energy and environmental control / life support module. The basic control interface receives control commands from the satellite bus module and, in conjunction with the environmental control of the energy and environmental control / life support module, achieves basic automated control of the cultivation process, such as the start and stop of the cultivation cycle. The data transmission interface establishes a bidirectional communication link with the satellite bus module, transmitting module operating status information and basic experimental data, while simultaneously receiving on-orbit control commands forwarded by the satellite bus module.
[0052] Specifically, through the coordinated operation of the culture chamber, basic control interface, and data transmission interface, the biological experiment module receives stable electrical energy and temperature, gas, and humidity control support from the energy and environmental control and life support module. With the help of the satellite bus module, it realizes the reception of on-orbit control commands and the downlink transmission of experimental data, ultimately ensuring the stable and reliable conduct of basic biological experiments in orbit.
[0053] Furthermore, the biological experiment module adopts a typical biological experiment module. As a high-efficiency mission execution unit of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, the typical biological experiment module works in conjunction with the satellite bus module and the energy and environmental control life support module. Its core function is to conduct high-precision culture and multi-dimensional experiments on specific biological samples such as cells, fruit flies, and nematodes in orbit. Typical biological experiment modules include a cell culture unit, a fruit fly culture chamber, a nematode culture unit, a fine control module, and an enhanced data transmission interface. The cell culture unit integrates a microfluidic chip, a first CMOS camera (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor camera), and a nutrient solution supply system. The microfluidic chip provides a sterile culture microenvironment suitable for liquid culture, while the nutrient solution supply system enables precise replenishment and circulation. The first CMOS camera captures image data in real time, which is then pre-processed and transmitted to a satellite bus module. The image data includes at least images of cell morphological changes and proliferation status. The fruit fly culture chamber employs a tiered rearing cage structure, equipped with an automatic replenishment system and waste collection bags. The tiered design improves space utilization, the automatic replenishment system provides nutrients to the fruit flies at regular intervals, and the waste collection bags centrally collect metabolic waste, ensuring a clean environment within the chamber and adapting to solid culture and group rearing needs. The nematode culture unit includes a surface-laser-etched microgroove culture chamber, a double-filter isolation layer separating larvae and adults, a waste collection trap, and a second CMOS camera. The system includes a microscope camera, a ring LED array (ring light-emitting diode array), a multi-channel peristaltic pump assembly, and nutrient / drug storage tanks. Laser-etched microgrooves in the culture chambers provide a dedicated growth space for nematodes. A double-filter isolation layer separates larvae and adults at different developmental stages. A waste collection trap collects metabolic waste. The ring LED array, in conjunction with a second CMOS microscope camera, enables high-definition imaging of nematode growth. The multi-channel peristaltic pump assembly precisely controls the amount and timing of nutrient / drug replenishment. A refined control module receives precise control commands from the satellite bus module and, in conjunction with the dynamic environmental control of the energy and environmental life support modules, achieves fully automated control of the experimental process for each culture unit. This fully automated control includes at least: nutrient replenishment frequency adjustment, camera shooting interval setting, and drug action time control. An enhanced data transmission interface establishes a high-speed bidirectional communication link with the satellite bus module, transmitting unit operating status information, image data, and experimental process data, while simultaneously receiving on-orbit control commands forwarded by the satellite bus module.
[0054] Specifically, through the collaborative work of cell culture units, fruit fly culture chambers, nematode culture units, refined control modules, and enhanced data transmission interfaces, typical biological experiment modules receive stable electrical energy and precise temperature, air, and humidity control support from energy and environmental control life support modules. With the help of satellite bus modules, they achieve the reception of high-precision control commands and efficient downlink transmission of multi-dimensional experimental data, ultimately ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of on-orbit experiments with different types of biological samples.
[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a working method for a biomedical standardized cube star platform, applied to the aforementioned biomedical standardized cube star platform. This working method includes the following steps:
[0056] S1: After being launched into orbit, the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform initiates a self-test procedure to check the working status of the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module, and biological experiment module.
[0057] Specifically, before entering orbit, the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform is fixedly connected to the upper stage of the launch vehicle through a standardized interface. Before entering orbit, the upper stage of the launch vehicle provides temporary power to ensure the pre-start-up and status monitoring of the equipment during the launch phase of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform. After the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform separates from the upper stage of the rocket and enters orbit, it switches to independent power supply from the energy and environmental control and life support modules.
[0058] Furthermore, the self-test procedure includes self-testing of the satellite bus module's own command parsing, data transmission, and storage functions; testing of the power supply status, temperature and humidity, and gas control components of the energy and environmental control life support module; and testing of the sealing of the culture chamber, monitoring components, and the start-up response of auxiliary actuators in the biological experiment module. When the core functions of each module are normal, the key parameters meet the preset working requirements, and there is no abnormal feedback, the self-test is deemed to have passed. If any module experiences a functional failure, fails to meet the parameters, or has no response signal, the self-test is deemed to have failed.
[0059] Specifically, the safety mode is activated when any module malfunctions (such as the valves or oxygen regulation subsystem of the energy and environmental control life support module failing to meet the minimum experimental requirements, or the solar panels failing to deploy or having no output), parameters failing to meet standards, or no response signal. In such cases, the self-test fails and the safety mode is activated.
[0060] S2: If the self-test passes, the biological sample culture will be started according to the preset experimental protocol. The energy and environmental control life support module will maintain the temperature and gas concentration required for the experiment. The biological experiment module will complete the on-orbit monitoring data acquisition. The satellite bus module will process the on-orbit monitoring data and transmit it back to the ground station in real time and store it locally.
[0061] Specifically, preset experimental protocols can be set via ground station commands and / or stored and executed by the satellite bus module. The specific content of the preset experimental protocol is determined according to actual experimental needs, and its core is to be customized to fit specific biological experimental scenarios.
[0062] S3: If the self-test fails, activate the safety mode and wait for the ground station to send on-orbit control commands.
[0063] Furthermore, the energy and environmental control / life support module monitors the temperature inside the culture chamber of the biological experiment module in real time through the temperature control unit. Temperature stability is determined when the temperature fluctuation is controlled within the preset experimental target temperature range. If the temperature remains stable for less than the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters do not meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The satellite bus module immediately triggers a temperature alarm, interrupts the biological sample culture process, and controls the temperature control unit to adjust the liquid and gas flow temperatures. Once the temperature returns to the preset experimental target temperature range and remains stable for a preset second duration, the culture process is restarted. If the temperature remains stable within the preset experimental target temperature range and does not fall below the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform then collects and transmits monitoring data at a preset frequency to ensure the continuity and reliability of the experimental data.
[0064] The preset experimental target temperature range, preset first duration, and preset second duration can all be flexibly set according to the actual biological experiment requirements. Preferably, the preset experimental target temperature range is ±2℃ (relative to the experimental target temperature), the preset first duration is 72 hours, and the preset second duration is 10 minutes.
[0065] The beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:
[0066] (1) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application are designed specifically for biomedical experiments in the microgravity environment of space. Through a standardized and modular CubeSat structure, it integrates functions such as biological sample culture, environmental control, real-time monitoring and data transmission, providing low-cost and rapid response technical support for space life science experiments.
[0067] (2) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application adopt a three-layer standardized interface protocol (i.e., mechanical interface, electrical interface and data interface), which eliminates the need for customized adaptation between modules, realizes blind plug-in detachable connection of each functional module, greatly improves the platform's universality and interchangeability, and reduces the cost of later maintenance and upgrades. That is, the interface is standardized and has strong adaptability.
[0068] (3) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application, through the exclusive resource design (i.e., the resources of the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module and biological experiment module are dedicated to biomedical experiments, without other unrelated functions occupying them), specifically meet the core needs of space biomedical experiments for environmental stability and sample culture professionalism, and ensure the reliability and effectiveness of on-orbit experiments, that is, the design is proprietary and the experiment is accurately adapted.
[0069] (4) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application rely on the CubeSat platform carpooling launch mode and modular pre-integration capability, which eliminates the need to apply for launch resources separately and significantly reduces mission launch costs; at the same time, the modular design shortens the platform development and assembly cycle, enabling rapid response to experimental needs, i.e. cost cycle optimization and outstanding practicality.
[0070] (5) The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform and working method of this application support real-time analysis of on-orbit data, multi-generation culture of biological samples and real-time control of experimental parameters, breaking through the functional limitations of traditional space experiments, meeting the needs of diverse experimental scenarios, reducing ground intervention, and improving the automation and intelligence level of experimental processes, that is, high functional scalability and automation.
[0071] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of protection of this application and its equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, characterized in that, It adopts a 3U cubic star architecture, which has a modular stacked layout, with the top, middle and bottom layers set from top to bottom; The top layer is equipped with a satellite bus module, the middle layer is equipped with an energy and environmental control and life support module, and the bottom layer is equipped with a biological experiment module. The satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module, and biological experiment module are all equipped with mechanical interfaces, electrical interfaces, and data interfaces; the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module, and biological experiment module are connected by blind-plugging detachable fixed connection through mechanical interfaces; The satellite bus module communicates bidirectionally with the energy and environmental control / life support module and the biological experiment module via a data interface; the satellite bus module also communicates with the ground station. The energy and environmental control life support module supplies power to the satellite bus module and the biological experiment module through an electrical interface, and provides oxygen supply, water supply and environmental control support to the biological experiment module through a fluid transmission channel. The satellite bus module is used for on-orbit control command parsing, experimental data processing and transmission, and fault handling; The energy and environmental control / life support module is used to regulate the temperature and gas concentration required for biological experiments; The biological experiment module is used to carry out biological sample culture and on-orbit monitoring, and is adapted to the space radiation environment.
2. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3U CubeSat architecture has external dimensions of 100×100×340mm. 3 .
3. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, Mechanical interface: PC / 104 standard guide rail is adopted. The PC / 104 standard guide rail conforms to ISO 17981:2024 standard. The mating tolerance of the PC / 104 standard guide rail is ±0.1 mm, and it supports blind mating connection between adjacent modules. Electrical interface: It adopts a 12V / 5V dual redundant power supply bus, which is compatible with the MIL-STD-704F aerospace power supply standard, and the maximum current carrying capacity of a single channel is 30A; Data interface: It adopts the SpaceWire bus as the main transmission channel, with a transmission rate of 200Mbps. At the same time, it is configured with a CAN 2.0B bus as a redundant backup channel for data transmission to ensure communication reliability.
4. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite bus module includes at least: an S-band transceiver, an ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and radiation-hardened NAND Flash; the S-band transceiver, the ARM Cortex-R5 processor, and the radiation-hardened NAND Flash are all powered by the energy and environmental control life support module. Among them, the S-band transceiver: when visible to the ground station antenna, it receives on-orbit control commands sent by the ground station through the satellite's external antenna, and integrates the processed experimental data, self-test information of each system, and equipment status information into data packets and sends them to the ground station to ensure the stability and real-time performance of two-way communication between space and ground. ARM Cortex-R5 processor: used to parse on-orbit control commands; process satellite flight control commands to ensure that the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler in the temperature control unit is on the shaded side; schedule the satellite bus module to work in coordination with the energy and environmental control life support module and the biological experiment module; perform on-orbit preprocessing and analysis of biological experiment data and environmental monitoring data to obtain processed experimental data; execute fault diagnosis and emergency handling logic; and perform experimental data packetization and encryption. Radiation-resistant NAND Flash: Used to reliably store raw experimental data, equipment parameter configuration information, and on-orbit operation logs, and to transmit them synchronously when communication with the ground station is possible, avoiding data loss or storage failure caused by radiation; the on-orbit operation log includes at least the self-test information of each system and the status information of the equipment.
5. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite bus module board adopts the PC / 104 standard board design; the satellite bus module is completely covered with an electromagnetic protection layer.
6. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy and environmental control life support module includes at least: an energy unit, a temperature control unit, a gas regulation unit, and a humidity maintenance unit; The energy unit includes a lithium battery pack and a solar panel; the lithium battery pack is connected to the solar panel; the solar panel is used for on-orbit energy replenishment and stores electrical energy in the lithium battery pack, which in turn powers other components in the satellite bus module, biological experiment module, and energy and environmental control life support module. The temperature control unit includes an electric heating device, a semiconductor cooling chip, and a PID control algorithm. The PID control algorithm dynamically adjusts the working state of the semiconductor cooling chip and the electric heating device based on the real-time temperature data of the culture chamber in the biological experiment module. The working state includes at least: start / stop and power, in order to counteract the interference of the space thermal environment and achieve precise and stable control of the temperature in the culture chamber. Gas control unit: electrochemical O2 sensor, electrochemical CO2 sensor and MEMS micro pump; the electrochemical O2 sensor and electrochemical CO2 sensor respectively collect O2 partial pressure and CO2 concentration data in the culture chamber of the biological experiment module in real time, and send the O2 partial pressure and CO2 concentration data to the dedicated control component of the gas control unit. Combined with closed-loop control logic, the operating status of the MEMS micro pump is dynamically adjusted. With the help of CO2 chemical treatment method, the gas parameters in the culture chamber are accurately and stably controlled, and gas and liquid leakage is avoided. The humidity maintenance unit includes a capillary evaporator; the capillary evaporator stabilizes the humidity inside the chamber through capillary adsorption and physical evaporation effects, providing a suitable growth environment for biological samples.
7. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 6, characterized in that, If precise attitude control is required, a satellite attitude control subsystem can be selected from the energy and environmental control and life support module. The satellite attitude control subsystem is powered by the energy and environmental control and life support module and enables precise adjustment and stable maintenance of the on-orbit attitude of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform.
8. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biological experiment module adopts a typical biological experiment module, which includes a cell culture unit, a fruit fly culture chamber, a nematode culture unit, a fine control module, and an enhanced data transmission interface. The cell culture unit integrates a microfluidic chip, a first CMOS microscope camera, and a nutrient solution supply system. The microfluidic chip provides a sterile culture microenvironment that is compatible with liquid culture mode. The nutrient solution supply system enables precise replenishment and circulation. The first CMOS microscope camera captures image data in real time. The image data is preprocessed and then transmitted to the satellite bus module. The image data includes at least: images of cell morphological changes and proliferation status. The fruit fly culture chamber adopts a layered breeding cage structure, equipped with an automatic supply system and waste collection bags. The layered design improves space utilization, the automatic supply system provides nutrients to the fruit flies on a regular basis, and the waste collection bags realize the centralized collection of metabolic waste, ensuring a clean environment inside the chamber, and is suitable for solid culture mode and group breeding needs. The nematode culture unit includes a surface laser-etched microgroove culture chamber, a double-filter isolation layer separating larvae and adults, a waste liquid collection trap, a second CMOS microscope camera, a ring LED array, a multi-channel peristaltic pump group, and a nutrient / drug storage tank. The surface laser-etched microgroove culture chamber provides a dedicated growth space for nematodes, the double-filter isolation layer separating larvae and adults enables the separation of nematodes at different developmental stages, the waste liquid collection trap collects metabolic waste liquid, the ring LED array, together with the second CMOS microscope camera, enables high-definition imaging of the nematode growth status, and the multi-channel peristaltic pump group precisely controls the replenishment amount and timing of the nutrient / drug storage tank. The precision control module is used to receive precise control commands from the satellite bus module and, in conjunction with the dynamic environmental regulation of the energy and environmental control life support module, realize fully automated control of the experimental process of each culture unit. The fully automated control of the experimental process of each culture unit includes at least: adjustment of nutrient solution replenishment frequency, setting of camera shooting interval, and control of drug action time. The enhanced data transmission interface is used to establish a high-speed bidirectional communication link with the satellite bus module to transmit the working status information of each unit, image data and experimental process data, while receiving on-orbit control commands forwarded by the satellite bus module.
9. A working method for a biomedical standardized CubeSat platform, characterized in that, Applied to the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to any one of claims 1-8, the working method includes the following steps: S1: After the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform is launched into orbit, it initiates a self-test procedure to check the working status of the satellite bus module, energy and environmental control life support module, and biological experiment module. S2: If the self-test passes, biological sample culture will be started according to the preset experimental protocol. The energy and environmental control life support module will maintain the temperature and gas concentration required for the experiment. The biological experiment module will complete the on-orbit monitoring data acquisition. The satellite bus module will process the on-orbit monitoring data and transmit it back to the ground station in real time and store it locally. S3: If the self-test fails, activate the safety mode and wait for the ground station to send on-orbit control commands.
10. The working method of the biomedical standardized CubeSat platform according to claim 9, characterized in that, The energy and environmental control / life support module monitors the temperature inside the culture chamber of the biological experiment module in real time through the temperature control unit. Temperature stability is determined when the temperature fluctuations are controlled within the preset experimental target temperature range. If the temperature remains stable for less than the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters do not meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The satellite bus module immediately triggers a temperature alarm, interrupts the biological sample culture process, and controls the temperature control unit to adjust the liquid and gas flow temperatures. Once the temperature returns to the preset experimental target temperature range and remains stable for a preset second duration, the culture process is restarted. If the temperature remains stable within the preset experimental target temperature range and does not fall below the preset first duration, it indicates that the environmental parameters meet the requirements of the biological experiment. The biomedical standardized CubeSat platform then collects and transmits monitoring data at a preset frequency to ensure the continuity and reliability of the experimental data.