UNIVERSITY NANOSATELLITES FLYING IN FORMATION: AN INNOVATIVE TOOL TO IMPROVE COOPERATION AMONG ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES

摘要

The paper presents the research program UNISAT-4, involving four Italian Universities (Roma, Milano, Napoli, Torino) with the purpose of developing the prototype of a satellite constellation, consisting of four nanosatellites flying in formation. Each University Institution participating in the project develops its own nanosatellite, according to prefixed standards, including the mechanical, electrical, communications interfaces and the co-ordinated orbital control strategy for the formation maintenance. Exchange of information and know-how among all the participating Universities is one on the project goals, based on the experience gained in previously developed programs, funded by ASI, in which the same Universities have been involved in a common project for the design and construction of small satellites.