The P-POD Payload Planner's Guide

P-POD Payload Planner’s Guide: Revision B – 5/15/00 5 of 19
2.2.1. CubeSat Containment and Deployer Interface
The CubeSats, when loading within the deployer, shall be constrained by the rail system
of the tube, as well as secondary loading washers pressing them against the secured door.
The rail design prevents jamming of the CubeSats during deployment, but requires tight
tolerances on the outside dimensions of the CubeSats. The designated rail contact
surfaces on each CubeSat must have a smooth surface finish, as detailed in the CubeSat
requirements drawings in Appendix A.
When loaded into the deployer, all CubeSat power must be completely off, and the
CubeSats may only be powered on once clear of the tube. To accomplish this, killswitches
(microswitches) must be mounted to the exterior of each CubeSat (in designated
areas stipulated on the requirements drawings) to turn off all power when compressed.
Also, the microswitches must be flush with the CubeSat surface when compressed.
In addition to the kill-switches, a “remove before flight” pin must be furnished in the
location stipulated on the CubeSat requirements drawings. This provides a universal
method to ensure all CubeSats remain dormant during loading into the deployer.
Additionally, an optional USB data port may be provided on the CubeSats in the location
shown on the specification drawings. Access to the port will be provided on the deployer
tube, such that final access to the CubeSat is available after integration to the deployer.
2.2.2. CubeSat Launch Environment
The CubeSats shall be launched with an exit velocity between 0.5 and 1 foot per second.
The CubeSats shall have a small relative velocity and will remain close to one another for
a relatively long time. No intentional spin is imparted to the CubeSat during launch.
2.2.3. P-POD Orbital Environment
The P-POD2 system may be launched aboard the OSP Space Launch Vehicle, and hardmounted
to the JAWSAT satellite as its primary payload. The details of the orbit and
launch altitude are not yet known. Additional launch possibilities may arise, and any
changes shall be published immediately.
The launch vector of the CubeSats with respect to Earth and launch vehicle will be
unknown at the time of deployment, and all clients must accept this factor at time of
CubeSat installation into the Deployer.
P-POD2 shall experience the space vacuum and radiation dosage of a typical low-earth
orbit environment. Predicted temperatures range from -40°C to 80°C, and large
temperature fluctuations are possible. There will be no thermal control within P-POD2,
so all CubeSats must be able to withstand these environmental fluctuations.