Operational Experience of the Transition from Initial to Nominal Operations of the University Small Satellite 'Flying Laptop'

摘要

The small satellite "Flying Laptop", launched in July 2017, was developed and built by graduate and undergraduate students at the Institute of Space Systems of the University of Stuttgart with support by space industry and research institutions. The mission goals are technology demonstration, earth observation and serving as an educational satellite. The satellite is successfully operated by a student team using the University's own ground station and mission control infrastructure. CCSDS and ECSS industry standards, as well as professional software tools were applied and are introduced to the students trained in operating the satellite to improve their educational aspect. This paper presents the Launch and Early Operations (LEOP) and Commissioning execution of the satellite with some lessons learned. It then focusses on how the transition from LEOP to nominal operations was accomplished using in-house developed ground-based automation tools for operations. Finally, selected results of the mission are presented.