Rainer Sandau
International Academy of Astronautics
Germany
Title: Distributed Space Systems Basics, Status and Prospects
Biography
Biography: Rainer Sandau
Abstract
The advances in various fields of technology are the basis for miniaturized sensors and spacecraft subsystems which allow small satellite missions with performances often comparable or even better than those of former large satellite missions. The actual status of small satellites with associated payloads in terms of spatial, spectral and temporal resolution is provided. This recent trend of miniaturization accompanied with increased or even novel high performance features allows implementing affordable distributed space systems with different basic characteristics. After an introduction to the different concepts of distributed space systems like satellite formations, satellite constellations, spacecraft swarms and rendezvous and docking systems, the paper concentrates on constellations and formations. Their widespread possibilities are presented by means of example missions. Finally, an outlook is given in terms of technology development and application areas.