NADIR Platform
NAnosatellite for DIdactics and Research

The NADIR represents a valid opportunity for small missions since it embodies three basic characteristics: 

• Flexibility and performances matching a number of missions typologies; 

• Reduced recurrent costs; 

• Minimum 3 years Life-Cycle in LEO orbits. 

Flexibility & Performances 

The flexibility is guaranteed by the modular design of the nanosatellite, which is made of two units that can be integrated separately: 

• The Service Module, containing all the subsystems required for the in-orbit satellite operations; 

• The Users Module, which shall host all the Payload's subsystems. 

The Service Module is characterized by low mass values, with Aluminum structural panels; high power available for the payload, both outside and inside solar eclipse, thanks to 4 solar deployable panels and a rechargeble Li-ion battery;3-axis stabilization attitude control; an on-board computer that manages the command and control functions and the real-time control of all the nanosatellite subsystems functions including data storage and retrieval. Regarding the communication subsystem, it has been designed to provide two different performance levels: 

• Low Bulk Data missions. For them it is foreseen a VHF/UHF band system adopting standard /amateurs bandwidth 

• High Bulk Data missions. For this mission typology a S-band system can be added to increase the data/rate transmission 

A properly dimensioned communication system allow to contain volume and cost of the on-ground transmitting systems, so they could adopt antennas with only one meter equivalent diameter span. 

User Module. The 'payload' section is structurally, equal to the service module. It is completely detachable from the service module in order to be developed apart by the end-users, on their own or in collaboration with the NADIR, and later integrated with the nanosatellite. 

Development approach 

NADIR is totally designed following the industrial logic making wide adoption of Commercial Off-The- Shelf (COTS) components so that to optimise the costs/performances ratio. The COTS-based equipment and devices are properly adapted to operate in the aerospace environment. This solution allows to downsize the overall costs of one order of magnitude with respect to conventional satellites. Furthermore the development of the NADIR subsystems is performed by a network of Small Medium Enterprises. 

Life-Cycle 

The NADIR orbital life-cycle goes from a minimum of 3 years, according to the mission profile and the orbit characteristics. This figure satisfies the needs of the largest part of the small scientific/technological missions which requires typically a orbital life-cycle of 3 years. Typical Missions performed by NADIR-1 are: 

• Scientific Missions 

• Technological Missions 

• Short-medium duration application Missions. 

Main characteristics of the NADIR Microplatform are: