Modular internal structure of a CubeSat-type nanosatellite

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a nanosatellite comprising: a structure (S1, S2) defining an internal volume multiple of a unit U, a unit U being a parallelepiped; at least two frames (1, 1') housed in the internal volume, the frame (1, 1') being parallelepiped and comprising six faces (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60); an electronic interface card (4, 4') fixed on a face (10), a frame (1, 1') being intended to house equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite and are connected to the electronic interface card (4, 4'); an electronic interconnection card (5); the electronic interface card (4, 4') of a chassis (1, 1') connecting to the electronic interconnection card (5) so as to interconnect the equipment of the chassis (1, 1') with each other via the electronic interconnection card (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Modular internal structure of a CubeSat-type nanosatellite Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of nanosatellites conforming to the CubeSat standard. And the invention particularly relates to a modular internal structure of such. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A nanosatellite is a small satellite whose geometry is defined in “U” units. Such satellites exist in several sizes: 3U, 12U, 24U. They are therefore several U units arranged together. Each U unit corresponds substantially to a cube of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 113.5 mm. Such nanosatellites have a mass of between 1 and 50 kg.

[0003] Given their small size, nanosatellites require special development to take into account their compactness.

[0004] This complicates development in a context where the nanosatellite must be able to carry out a large number of different missions.

[0005] There is therefore a need to have a nanosatellite structure whose internal structure is easily modular to meet the needs of a large number of missions without having to rearrange the interior of the nanosatellite. GENERAL STATEMENT

[0006] An aim of the present disclosure is to meet this need by proposing, according to a first aspect, a nanosatellite comprising: a structure defining an internal volume multiple of a unit U, a unit U being a parallelepiped; at least two chassis housed in the internal volume, the chassis being parallelepiped and comprising six faces; an electronic interface card fixed on one face, a chassis being intended to house equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite and are connected to the electronic interface card; an electronic interconnection card; the electronic interface card of a chassis connecting to the electronic interconnection card so as to interconnect the equipment of the chassis with each other via the electronic interconnection card.

[0007] The nanosatellite according to the first aspect is advantageously supplemented by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

[0008] - the electronic interface card consists of a printed circuit comprising a face provided with spring contacts and the electronic interconnection card includes conductive prints intended to come into contact with the spring contacts of the electronic interface card;

[0009] - the frame is monolithic and comprises several uprights forming sides of the chassis, each face of the chassis being hollow;

[0010] - the chassis is made of a metal, for example an aluminum alloy;

[0011] - the structure has an internal volume corresponding to two or three U units arranged one above the other, the electronic interconnection card being arranged on one face of the internal volume;

[0012] - the structure has an internal volume corresponding to six units arranged according to two columns of three U units arranged one above the other, the electronic interconnection card being arranged between two columns;

[0013] - the interconnection board is intended to be connected to a payload by means of a harness;

[0014] - a unit U is a parallelepiped of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 113.5 mm of preferably compliant with specification CP-CDS-R14.1;

[0015] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a method of assembling a nanosatellite according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of:

[0016] - provision of a structure having an internal volume multiple of a unit U,

[0017] - arrangement of at least two frames in the internal volume, each frame being parallelepiped and comprises six faces, an electronic interface card being fixed on one face, a chassis comprising equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite connected to the electronic interface card;

[0018] - arrangement of an electronic interconnection card in the internal volume of a position relative to the chassis such that each electronic interface card can be connected to the electronic interconnection card;

[0019] - connection of each electronic interface card to the electronic card of interconnections.

[0020] The method according to the second advantageously comprises a step of arranging a payload in the internal volume and a connection of the payload to the interconnection card by means of a harness.

[0021] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a chassis of a nanosatellite intended to be housed in an internal volume of a nanosatellite having an internal volume multiple of a unit U, the chassis comprising six faces together forming a parallelepiped, each face of the chassis being hollow, one face being configured to support an electronic interface card to which equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite can be connected, the equipment being intended to be housed inside the chassis.

[0022] Advantageously, the frame according to the third aspect is such that the faces form a monolithic parallelepiped.

[0023] Advantageously, the chassis according to the third aspect is a multiple of a unit U conforming to specification CP-CDS-R14.1.

[0024] Thanks to the use of chassis and electronic interface and interconnection cards, the assembly of the nanosatellite is facilitated and offers great modularity to the nanosatellite. The nanosatellite of the invention has reduced manufacturing costs given the use of chassis and cards which are simple to connect.

[0025] The integration of the platform is simplified by the use of chassis. Also, each chassis and the equipment form an independent assembly to facilitate testing on the equipment.

[0026] The chassis has a structure that is simple to produce on a production line. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0027] Other characteristics, aims and advantages will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic top view of a nanosatellite according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic top view of a nanosatellite according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates standard dimensions of nanosatellites conforming to the CubeSat standard.

[0031] [Fig.4] illustrates a chassis used in a nanosatellite according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig.5] illustrates a view of one side of an interface card of a nanosatellite according to the invention.

[0033] [Fig.6] illustrates a view of one face of an interconnection card of a nanosatellite according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig.7] illustrates possible chassis arrangements of a nanosatellite according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.8] illustrates steps of a method of assembling a nanosatellite according to the invention.

[0036] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Nanosatellite

[0037] [Fig.l] illustrates a top view of a NI nanosatellite comprising a 12U size SI CubeSat structure and [Fig.2] illustrates a top view of a N2 nanosatellite comprising a 6U S2 structure. A U-unit complies with the CP-CDS-R14.1 specification. Each U-unit corresponds to a substantially cube-shaped unit of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 113.5 mm. The structure size is expressed in U-units and indicates the available structure volume. U-units can be arranged in several ways. [Fig.3] illustrates several CubeSat structures of sizes 1U, 2U, 3U, 6U and 12U represented as assembled U-units.

[0038] The nanosatellite according to the invention is intended to contain a payload and a platform.

[0039] By payload, we mean all the equipment that allows the nanosatellite to fulfill the mission of signal relay (transponders, antennas, etc.), observation (cameras, imagers, telescopes, etc.) or scientific (scientific instrumentation, etc.).

[0040] By platform, we mean all the equipment that allows the nanosatellite to operate the payload under the specified operational conditions. For example, if the payload is not an antenna, the platform will have the antenna allowing the data to be sent back down to a ground station or other. Structure

[0041] Returning to [Fig.l], the structure SI of the nanosatellite is delimited by external walls 2 which define an internal volume of the structure SL. The internal volume of the structure SI is subdivided into several compartments C1, C2, C3 by means of one or more interface parts 3 which allow the external faces 2 of the structure SL to be maintained. In the example of [Fig.l], the structure SI of size 12U is subdivided into three compartments C1, C2, C3.

[0042] Of course, other subdivisions are possible and the number of interface pieces 3 may be different. An interface piece 3 contributes to the rigidity of the structure.

[0043] Each compartment C1, C2, C3 is adapted to contain one or more chassis 1, 1' intended to contain electronic equipment for the platform.

[0044] According to the embodiment of [Fig.l], three compartments C1, C2, C3 comprise frames 1, 1' containing electronic equipment for the platform. This equipment constitutes the platform of the nanosatellite and includes for example: batteries, communication systems, thermal regulation system, attitude control system such as star finder, reaction wheels, Magneto-couplers, on-board computer, electronic power distribution cards, transmitter / receiver card.

[0045] Each chassis 1, 1' is compatible with the dimension of the structure and has a multiple volume close to a U unit, i.e. 100 mm x 100 mm x 113.5 mm. We speak of 1U, 2U chassis etc. The payload is placed in the free space of the structure which is not occupied by the chassis.

[0046] In the example of [Fig.l], the first compartment comprises a 1U 1 chassis, a second compartment C2 comprises a 1U 1 chassis and a third compartment C3 comprises a 2U 1' chassis. Other arrangements are of course possible. Between each chassis is provided a space to allow harnesses to pass through if necessary. Chassis

[0047] [Fig.4] illustrates a 1,1' frame which is here unitary. More generally, each frame is parallelepipedal and comprises six faces 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 delimited by uprights 6. The faces are advantageously hollow to facilitate access to the interior of the frame and to reduce the mass of the frame. A 1,1' frame is therefore a hollow part whose internal space is accessible by each face thus windowed.

[0048] The window of each face 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 allows in use an easy replacement of a component / module without having to dismantle the rest of the nanosatellite: the frames allowing easy access to the equipment that they contain even when they are assembled in the nanosatellite. Such access can therefore be made at any time during the preparation of the mission, even at the last moment.

[0049] The chassis 1, 1' has holes 7 at the four corners of at least two opposite faces to allow the chassis to be fixed to the internal structure by means of screws, for example, inserted into the holes 7. The fixing of the chassis to the structure is such that it is possible to unscrew the chassis easily from the outside. From size 12U, the chassis 1, 1' are fixed to the mechanical interface part 2 which separates the internal volume in two.

[0050] The frame 1, 1' is preferably made of a metal, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0051] Each frame 1, 1' provided for the nanosatellite is quick and simple to manufacture. In addition, it can be reused from one mission to another. Furthermore, the fact that the nanosatellite contains several similar frames improves the overall rigidity of the nanosatellite structure, the frames contributing to this. Maps

[0052] The nanosatellite according to the invention is advantageous in that each chassis 1, 1' integrated into the volume of the structure S1, S2 comprises on one of its faces an electronic interface card 4, 4' and in that the nanosatellite comprises an electronic interconnection card 5 which comprises conductive prints 51 intended to come into contact with spring contacts 41 of the electronic interface card 4, 4' (see figures 5 and 6).

[0053] The connection of the spring contacts 41 to the electronic interconnection card 5 is ensured by the mechanical fixing of the chassis 1, 1' to the structure of the nanosatellite, the chassis 1, 1' being mechanically fixed on the side of the electronic interconnection card 5. This produces the necessary pressure on each spring contact in order to maintain permanent contact on the interconnection card. The use of a spring contact allows movements around its position which can be a consequence of vibrations of the nanosatellite, in particular during its launch. The contact is thus free to move without jeopardizing the contact as such. Advantageously, the spring contact is of a commercial type which facilitates its supply. The electronic interconnection card 5 thus ensures the connection of all the internal elements of the nanosatellite.

[0054] One side of the electronic interface card 4, 4' has a single connector for ensuring the connection of all the internal elements with the exterior for pre-flight tests and for communicating with the electronic interconnection card 5. The other side is of course connected to the equipment housed in the chassis 1, 1'. Having a single connector facilitates the connection of the equipment to the electronic interface card 4, 4'.

[0055] The electronic interconnection card 5 is either arranged against one face of the internal volume or is supported by an interface part 2 when it is in the middle (see [Fig.l]). The positioning of the footprints and the geometry of the electronic interconnection card 5 depend on the configuration of the nanosatellite (placement of the cubes) and the payloads. The electronic interconnection card 5 can be adapted to all types of mission.

[0056] The use of the electronic interface card 4', 4' and the electronic interconnection card 5 makes it possible to greatly limit the use of harnesses. The latter is ultimately only used to connect the payload to the platform equipment.

[0057] Furthermore, the use of electronic interface cards 4, 4' and the electronic interconnection card 5 makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate connector alignment problems given the alignment between the footprints and the connectors. Integration is therefore simplified.

[0058] In [Fig.l] the interconnection board is placed in the middle of the nanosatellite and in [Fig.2], the interconnection board is placed against one face of the nanosatellite.

[0059] In a complementary manner, the interface part 3 makes it possible to fix the different chassis and can make it possible to fix the electronic interface card 4, 4' which will connect all the compartments and the equipment. Alternatively, it is possible to fix the electronic interface card 4, 4' on one side of the structure instead of the middle. Modularity

[0060] Providing frames of different sizes (close to a multiple of a U) allows for modular layout of the internal structure. The nanosatellite can thus adapt to a large number of missions and applications.

[0061] [Fig.7] illustrates several possible arrangements of the internal structure with each time three frames 1, 1', 1” and the payload CU arranged in the space left free. Those skilled in the art will understand that the use of frames of several sizes makes it possible to arrange the interior of the nanosatellite in several ways depending on the type of mission. Process

[0062] The above-described nanosatellite is advantageous in that it is simple to assemble in an assembly process as described below in relation to [Fig.8].

[0063] The structure S1, S2 having an internal volume multiple of a unit U is provided (step E1).

[0064] In the internal volume, at least two frames 1,1' are arranged (step E2). Each chassis comprises equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite and an electronic interface card 4, 4) fixed on one of its faces 10.

[0065] The electronic interconnection card 5 is arranged (step E3) in the internal volume at a position relative to the chassis in such a way that each electronic interface card (4, 4') can be connected to the electronic interconnection card (5). In this way the equipment is connected to the interconnection card 5) (step E4).

[0066] Once the chassis with the equipment they contain are arranged in the internal volume of the structure, the payload is arranged in the remaining volume and is connected to the interconnection card by means of a harness (step E5).

Claims

Claims

1. Nanosatellite comprising: a structure (S1, S2) defining an internal volume multiple of a unit U, a unit U being a parallelepiped; at least two chassis (1, 1') housed in the internal volume, the chassis (1, 1') being parallelepiped and comprising six faces (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) an electronic interface card (4, 4') fixed on a face (10), a chassis (1, 1') being intended to house equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite and are connected to the electronic interface card (4, 4'); an electronic interconnection card (5); the electronic interface card (4, 4') of a chassis (1, 1') connecting to the electronic interconnection card (5) so as to interconnect the equipment of the chassis (1, 1') with each other via the electronic interconnection card (5).

2. Nanosatellite according to claim 1, in which the electronic interface card (4, 4') consists of a printed circuit comprising a face provided with spring contacts and the electronic interconnection card (4, 4') comprises conductive prints (41) intended to come into contact with the spring contacts (51) of the electronic interface card.

3. Nanosatellite according to claim 2, wherein the chassis (1, 1') is monolithic and comprises several uprights (6) forming sides of the chassis, each face of the chassis being hollow.

4. Nanosatellite according to claim 3, wherein the chassis (1, 1') is made of a metal, for example an aluminum alloy.

5. Nanosatellite according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structure (SI, S2) has an internal volume corresponding to two or three U units arranged one above the other, the electronic interconnection card being arranged on one face of the internal volume.

6. Nanosatellite according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the structure (SI, S2) has an internal volume corresponding to six units arranged in two columns of three U units arranged one above the other, the electronic interconnection card being arranged between two columns.

7. Nanosatellite according to one of the preceding claims, in which the interconnection card is intended to be connected to a payload by means of a harness.

8. Nanosatellite according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a unit U is a parallelepiped of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 113.5 mm preferably conforming to specification CP-CDS-R14.

1.

9. Method for assembling a nanosatellite according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: - providing (El) a structure (SI, S2) having an internal volume multiple of a unit U, - arranging (E2) at least two chassis (1, 1') in the internal volume, each chassis (1, 1') being parallelepipedal and comprising six faces (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60), an electronic interface card (4, 4') being fixed on one face (10), a chassis comprising equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite connected to the electronic interface card (4, 4'); - arrangement (E3) of an electronic interconnection card (5) in the internal volume at a position relative to the chassis such that each electronic interface card (4, 4') can be connected to the electronic interconnection card (5); - connection (E4) of each electronic interface card (4, 4') to the electronic interconnection card (5).

10. A method of assembling a nanosatellite according to claim 9, comprising a step of arranging a payload (CU) in the internal volume and connecting the payload to the interconnection board by means of a harness.

11. Chassis (1, 1') of a nanosatellite intended to be housed in an internal volume of a nanosatellite having an internal volume multiple of a unit U, the chassis (1, 1') comprising six faces (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) together forming a parallelepiped, each face of the chassis being hollow, one face being configured to support an electronic interface card (4, 4') to which equipment intended for the operation of the nanosatellite can be connected, the equipment being intended to be housed inside the chassis (1, 1').

12. A frame according to claim 11, wherein the faces form a monolithic parallelepiped.

13. Chassis according to one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the chassis is a multiple of a unit U conforming to specification CP-CDS-R14.1.

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