How to Define Mission Specifications (Template Included)

After reading this guide you can find the accompanying template to fill here.

Overview

This guide explains how to define mission specifications for a CubeSat project, including key parameters such as payload requirements, operational constraints, and mission success criteria. This is essential for ensuring the satellite meets its objectives effectively.

Before You Start

Before defining the mission specifications, ensure:

  • You have a clear mission objective (e.g., Earth observation, communication, technology demonstration).
  • You understand the limitations of CubeSats in terms of power, volume, and mass.
  • You are aware of regulatory requirements (e.g., frequency coordination, debris mitigation).

Defining Mission Specifications

Step 1: Establish Mission Objectives

  1. Define the primary mission goal (e.g., imaging Earth with a 5m resolution camera, relaying APRS signals for amateur radio operators).
  2. Identify secondary objectives, if any (e.g., testing new sensors, collecting radiation data).
  3. Specify the expected mission duration (e.g., 6 months, 2 years).

Step 2: Define Payload Requirements

  1. Specify the type of payload (e.g., optical camera, APRS transceiver).
  2. Determine payload constraints such as:
    • Size (e.g., fits within a 1U CubeSat frame)
    • Mass (e.g., < 500g for a 1U CubeSat)
    • Power consumption (e.g., 2W average, 5W peak)
    • Data storage and transmission needs (e.g., 1GB onboard storage, 9.6 kbps downlink rate)

Step 3: Set Operational Constraints

  1. Define orbital parameters (e.g., Sun-synchronous orbit at 500km altitude).
  2. Define attitude control and pointing accuracy (e.g., ±1° for imaging missions).
  3. Outline ground segment requirements (e.g., minimum two ground stations for data reception).

Step 4: Define Environmental and Reliability Factors

  1. Assess radiation exposure and implement mitigation strategies.
  2. Specify thermal operating conditions (e.g., -40°C to +85°C).
  3. Establish redundancy measures for critical components.

Step 5: Define Success Criteria

  1. Primary success (e.g., capturing and downlinking 100 images in 6 months).
  2. Partial success (e.g., payload operates but data transmission is limited).
  3. Failure criteria (e.g., loss of communication within 1 month).

See Also

This guide provides a structured approach to defining mission specifications for CubeSat teams. Customize it based on your specific mission needs.

Now that you have a better idea of the mission your satellite wants to accomplish and the technical specifications of it, you need to create a requirements allocation sheet for each subsytems depending on how they relate with your mission objectives.

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