NanoAvionics, a small satellite mission integrator focused on delivering new generation satellite buses and their mission services for the satellite applications market has introduced a new high-performance multi-purpose satellite bus for nanosatellites.

The M16P from NanoAvionics is a highly versatile bus whose performance capabilities are optimized for IoT, M2M, AIS, and ADS-B applications and has the capability to support Earth Observation payloads. It is equipped with a space-proven Inter-satellite Data Relay System (IDRS) enabling data link service via GEO satellites. This system allows M16P to meet the highest level requirements for data latency and acquired database refresh rates.

The M16P subsystems have been flight-proven during commercial, scientific, and technology demonstration missions.  Critical systems such as the Flight Computer, Payload Controller, Electric Power System, and all others are 20krad radiation-tolerant. The M16P can support high payload data downlink speed of up to 100 Mb/s in the X-Band.

The NanoAvionics system runs on the open-source FreeRTOS real-time operating system, which is “lightweight”, reliable, relatively simple, and easy to use. Implemented software solutions allows to save integration time and reduce mission risks.

Satellite Bus Software (SBS) covers:

• Flight Computer (FC) (includes attitude control and determination) subsystem;
• Payload Controller (PC);
• UHF Radio subsystem (COMM);
• Electrical Power System (EPS);
• Propulsion (Engine) Control Unit (ECU) subsystem.

The M16P has a total empty bus mass of 8000 g (with propulsion unit) and can accommodate a payload volume of up to 15U. It consists of a Payload Controller (PC) with dual ARM A9 CPU running Linux. It comes with Satlab S-Band Full-duplex Transceiver SRS-3 by default for payload communications.

The M16P uses triple-junction GaInP/GaInAs/Ge epitaxial structure Solar Cells which have an efficiency of 30% and uses NASA-qualified low-outgassing Solar Cell adhesive. The flight computer in M16P includes ADCS functionality along with some of the ADCS sensors such as high precision IMU, Magnetic Sensors system, Albedo-free Fine Sun Sensors, and Star Tracker. The actuators consist of a Reaction Wheels system and integrated Magnetorquers.

Click here to learn more about the M16P Nanosatellite Bus.

Click here to learn about Satellite Buses from NanoAvionics.