Shifting the Paradigm with the Next Generation Microsatellite Platform

Vicky Anderson, Angela Brown, Dr Kathryn Graham, Dr John Paffett (2023), JBIS, 76, pp. 417-423

Refcode: 2023.76.417

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59332/jbis-076-12-0417

There are several interesting challenges in the space domain which would benefit from a paradigm shift in how satellite development is tackled. The number of potential applications that can be satisfied by utilising space as a resource has grown since the conception of both SmallSats and CubeSats, expanding the market and moving away from more expensive traditional satellites. As explored within this paper and as presented at the British Interplanetary Society, 20th Reinventing Space Conference “The Evolving Architecture of New Space”, there are limitations with both classes of satellite. To address the issues, KISPE have embarked on the development of the Next Generation Microsatellite Platform (NGMP). In a 25 kg to 250 kg class mass range, the NGMP can be used to enable a wide range of missions, applications, and services. Another key differentiator is the price point: the high technical performance is to be delivered at a CubeSat price. This will open the door for applications and business cases that until now could not be adequately serviced by the current platform offerings. KISPE are strong advocates for the sustainable and responsible use of space and this is being baked in at the heart of the NGMP design.

Keywords: SmallSat; CubeSat; Microsatellite; Satellite Development