Backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Netherlands Space Office via the ARTES program, Hiber's new HiberDrive offering brings capabilities to cubesats that were previously accessible only to large satellites.
HiberDrive is a brand new Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) miniaturized to 1U for the global cubesat market. Hyperion’s Attitude Determination and Control System has been combined with Dawn Aerospace’s high performance green bi-propellant propulsion module which is linked with Hiber’s automated constellation management software.
Space debris is already a serious issue, as there are more than 250,000 pieces under 2 cm. currently untracked in LEO — the risk of the Kessler syndrome is quite real (see: https://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/space-debris/kessler-syndrome/). By using high performance green bi-propellant propulsion, Hiber now have complete control of their satellite’s end-of-life, de-orbiting and burning up cubesats in Earth’s atmosphere when they choose.
By deciding upon a 3U form factor satellites, Hiber’s launch costs have halved. These savings allow Hiber to create a larger, faster, cheaper IoT network — passing benefits and savings back to customers.
The HiberDrive was developed in partnership with Hyperion Technologies and Dawn Aerospace for Hiber’s next generation low power 3U small satellite IoT constellation.
According to the company, the Hiber constellation will come online much faster and with much more capabilities than any other smallsat constellation. The use of high performance green bi-propellant propulsion and miniaturized components has been key.
Although developed for Hiber’s low power IoT SmallSat constellation, HiberDrive is being opened up for use in other smallsat constellations. A demo unit will be on display at the 33rd AIAA/USU SmallSat Conference 2019, August 4th to 8th in Utah.
Frank Zeppenfeldt, Technical Project Manager at ESA, said that as many smallsat constellations target services related to telecommunications, IoT, asset or frequency monitoring, ESA Telecommunications welcomes the development of HiberDrive. This AOCS takes into account emerging regulations related to smallsat deployments and responsible use of orbital resources.
Erik Wienk, Hiber COO, added that being a responsible operator, constellation longevity with minimal impact on the space environment is extremely important for the firm. The new HiberDrive means Hiber can easily avoid space debris, increase cubesat lifetime by raising orbit and performing complex orbital maneuvers with low power usage, all the while keeping the company's constellation online and guaranteeing high customer service levels.
Maarten Engelen, Hiber CTO, noted that the total size of the integrated AOCS has been brought down to 1U, which is revolutionary to the cubesat market. There are alternatives out there, but nothing that suits a 3U CubeSat like this — the company was lucky to have found good partners with Hyperion Technologies and Dawn Aerospace, who managed to bring down the total size of the integrated ADCS / Propulsion module to 1U.
Bert Monna, Hyperion CEO, stated that the believe the payload should dominate a satellite, and is Hyperion's business focus. Miniaturized components that deliver high performance, such as miniaturized reaction wheels, sun sensors and magnetorquers, give capabilities to smallsats that the market has never seen before. Similarly, Dawn’s green bi-propellant propulsion system offers thrust ~1,000x higher than electric propulsion based systems for cubesats.
For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.
The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.
The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company's or organization's growth.
The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as 'New Space' entrants.
The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.
This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.
