Impacts of Space Plug-and-Play Technology on Micro- and Nano-satellites

The Space Robotics Laboratory of Tohoku University has been investigating application method of Space Plug-and-Play technology for microsatellites together with ÅAC Microtec AB. The first and second micro-satellites RISING-1/-2 are carrying technology demonstration payloads for this purpose, and the functionality of the former one has been already verified in space environment. Accordingly SPA technology was applied to the real-life international scientific mission on the third micro-satellite RISESAT. Payload instruments of RISESAT were converted into SPA compatible devices. The result of application illustrated that SPA allows modular, reusable, and rapid system design approach. A CubeSat mission based on SPA technology where ÅAC Microtec AB is involved also successfully demonstrated correct performance in space environment. SPA technology is revealing its attractive capabilities to micro- and nano-satellites.