POQUITO: THE FIRST SATELLITE MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG

This work details the mission and system of POQUITO, the PocketQube for In-Orbit Technology Operations, that is the first satellite mission of the University of Luxembourg. POQUITO will be deployed in a Sun-synchronous orbit in Q3 2024 by a PocketQube deployer onboard a SpaceX Transporter mission. POQUITO is the first PocketQube mission to host an independent ChipSat onboard and is intended to be a modular platform for future missions. The platform is a 5x5x5 cm PocketQube (1P), while the payload is a 5x5x0.2 cm ChipSat. POQUITO will test the communication between the PocketQube and the ChipSat through visible-light link. The ChipSat payload serves as a demonstration for both inter-and intra-satellite links: (1) between the ChipSat and POQUITO; and (2) within the ChipSat. The ChipSat is assembled on a printed circuit board with its own solar cells, sensors, and data management system, which are independent from the main platform. POQUITO is also equipped with a deployable UHF antenna and an experimental ADCS with 3 magnetorquers developed at the University of Luxembourg which are placed on the back side of the solar cells. The overall space system fits within a 5 cm edge cube and weighs less than 250 g. Several challenges encountered in the development of the POQUITO mission, encompassing diverse areas such as technical development, launch opportunities, and non-technical matters as insurance coverage for pico-satellites are also detailed in the paper, providing useful lessons learnt for teams aiming to work in the PocketQubes and sub-CubeSat area.