BEST PRACTICES FOR THE LAUNCH MANAGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL NANOSATELLITES

摘要

Nanosatellites are the new territories for future businesses, but several areas related to management and system engineering are still unexplored for companies that encounter the launch of a nanosatellite for the first time, or even a constellation. Astrocast SA has successfully launched its first nanosatellite in December 2018, demonstrating the technical capability of its IoT-M2M telecommunication service; a second satellite has been deployed in April 2019. Challenges that concern the launch management are often underestimated resulting in delays or more serious consequences. This study provides a series of methodologies, processes, management strategies and other information necessary to mitigate the risks and avoid delays when managing one or more CubeSats to the launch pad and to integration. CubeSats launches are mostly piggyback launches that have to follow the schedule of the prime mission payload, therefore delays and last minute issues have to be avoided. In this study we emphasise aspects that are often hidden for newcomers in the space-commercial sector, or for already established commercial businesses that are trying to face the world of the nanosatellite and their potential. Particular focus is put on: management of resources, technical interfaces with the launcher, transportation and shipment, dangerous goods, licensing, bureaucracy (and paperwork), integration and hazardous operations at the launch range. These processes are based on the lessons learned by the latest launch campaign of Astrocast SA and provide a guide through good practices to minimize delays and risks that piggy-back launches can present.