Analysis of Methods for CubeSat Mission Design Based on in-orbit Results of KRAKsat Mission

Abstract

The success rate of currently performed CubeSat missions shows that despite their popularity, small satellites are still not as reliable as larger platforms. This research was conducted to analyse in-orbit experience from the KRAKsat mission and discuss methods for mission design and engineering that can increase CubeSats reliability and prevent their failures. The main purpose was to define best practices and rules that should be followed during mission development and operations to ensure its success based on the overview of the lessons learned from KRAKsat and problems encountered during its mission. This paper summarizes the experiences obtained and provides methods that can be used while carrying out future robust CubeSat projects. It was written to prove that there are some parts of the small satellite missions that are often neglected in the university-led projects and, by ensuring proper testing and planning before the actual mission, its reliability can increase. The following analysis could be used as a guide during the development of the next CubeSat projects.