PAYLOAD SYSTEM FOR TWIN NANO-SATELLITES MISSION - STUDSAT-2A/2B Abstract This paper describes the payload system of STUDSAT-2.

STUDSAT-2, India's First Twin Satellite Mission, aims to build two nano-satellites each weighing approximately 10kg with dimensions of 30 x 30 x 20 cm3. The primary objective of this mission is to establish intersatellite communication and provide improved temporal resolution. Both the satellites are equipped with CMOS image sensors. The satellites are in along-the-track constellation architecture with the Master Satellite sending position and velocity data to the Slave satellite via ISL (Inter Satellite Link) for improving temporal resolution. The primary goal of payload subsystem is to demonstrate the successful operation of CMOS image sensor in space. The paper presents the custom hardware and software development carried out in-house for STUDSAT2A/2B nano-satellites. It includes all the considerations in the implementation of a lightweight, miniaturized CMOS camera as a payload. It discusses the specifications and requirements set by Inter-satellite mission scenario that includes mechanical, thermal, and electronic design considerations elaborating all possible approaches and solutions. The CMOS image sensor is monochromatic having a resolution of 1MP operating with global shutter which eliminates motion distortion. The sensor is interfaced with ARM Cortex M4 controller, which is the OBC. The captured image is JPEG compressed before storage which becomes necessary due to memory and bandwidth considerations. When the satellite is within the cone of window of the ground station, the image is retrieved from the payload memory and transmitted to the ground station. We present the entire camera design process and a mechanical solution for assembling camera parts so as to endure vibrations and the harsh space environment. The interfacing and testing of CMOS image sensor with ARM Cortex M4 controller and images obtained during various phases are presented along with the results and conclusions obtained.