DESIGN i - Concept of Operations

The diagram in Figure 5, demonstrates the relative CONOPS of the BIOSat mission process. The modes are described in the next section to elaborate upon the subsystems used. The initial launch of the satellite will be in safe mode until after about an hour from launch it will transition to detumble mode. After stabilizing and communications with the satellite has been established the intended 30-day experiment will commence. The resulting typical day in the life (DiTL) of the satellite will be 16 hours of daylight with one 90-minute data collection period per day. Once the 16 hours of daylight is over the satellite simulates nighttime for 8 hours. After 8 hours of night the next DiTL cycle is initiate. Once the satellite mission is over and all data has been downlinked the satellite will deorbit. 

Safe Mode 

This mode is specifically for when launching the satellite. Consequently, all subsystems will be off.

Detumble Mode

This mode requires the use of the ADCS for positioning to downlink original data. 

Experiment Mode 

Experiment mode will be the key mode as our satellite will be in experiment mode for 30 days. The various subsystems will be in use at a time most notable the payloads life support and sensor array. For a complete overview of the subsystems in use, see the Budget Summary Power Draw page. 

The designated orbit path has been determined that in a worst-case scenario a polar orbit with an inclination of 96° and an altitude of 402 km would suffice for this satellite. For reference Figure 6, derived utilizing the ANSYS SDK software, demonstrates the worst-case scenario path for the BIOSat in green and best-case scenario in pink. The ISS path has been provided for reference as well. Figure 7 demonstrates the designated orbit path in comparison to the ISS and the intended grounding station which has been defined as the commercial Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) Svalbard Satellite Station in Norway.