Code 587 Technologies and Products

TechCube, High-Performance CubeSat

Principal Investigator (PI)

• Tom Flatley/Code 587
• Thomas.P.Flatley@nasa.gov

Description and Objectives

• Design TechCube to be a high-performance 3U CubeSat that minimizes "spacecraft bus" resource requirements and maximizes the volume, weight and power resources available to "science payloads".
• Provide TechCube with standard "spacecraft bus" functions such as power, communications, pointing and data processing services.

GSFC 3U CubeSat "TechCube" Concept

Technical Approach

• Design TechCube with key capabilities:
  • 1 Mbps telemetry downlink,
  • 3-axis pointing,
  • 2500+ MIPS of on-board processing power and
  • a 30+ watt mode of payload operation
• All while using less than half of a 3U CubeSat's volume.

Main Innovation(s)

• Standard but optimal 3U CubeSat capabilities
• Subsystems developed using same design "techniques" as full-size NASA missions

Infusion Potential

• Upcoming Heliophysics and Earth Science missions
• Collaboration with other government agencies, universities and industry