New Space and Tech

Video: CubeSat Aerobrake Prototype Test: Stored Energy System

By Keith Cowing
April 8, 2013
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This is the first test of a stored energy deployment system of a dragsail, or aerobrake, for CubeSats. The objective is to provide a reliable means of de-orbiting CubeSats and other small satellites at end of mission by increasing the effect of atmospheric drag on the spacecraft. The dragsail uses stored mechanical energy and therefore does not rely on power from the spacecraft to activate. Caution: includes laughter… Source: ClydeSpace

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