Microsatellite Technologies: Recent Actiities at the University of Pisa

The beginning of space technology research activities at the University of Pisa (UniPi) dates back to the early 1980s, when experimental investigations on electric thrusters where started with the setup of dedicated testing facilities. In late 1990s, space activities at UniPi grew to originate a successful spin-off company (Alta SpA), recently merged into present-day SITAEL SpA, while basic research continued to be carried out in the academic environment. This paper presents the status and the achievements of the research lines currently pursued at UniPi in the field of micro- and nano-satellite related technologies: from ionic liquid electric microthrusters [1], to low cost solar panels [2], to a unique small satellite mission design tool featuring coupled simulation of orbital dynamics and onboard energy management [3]. We outline the results of a recent study on a dedicated mission for precision agriculture [4] based on a suite of payloads distributed across a microsatellite constellation, as well as the ongoing programme for the realization of a university microsatellite dedicated to the demonstration of the orbit maneuvering capability an advanced electric propulsion system for applications like microsatellite constellation deployment and end-of-life de-orbiting.