Aalto-1, multi-payload CubeSat: Design, integration and launch

The design, integration, testing and launch of the first Finnish satellite Aalto-1 is briefly presented in this paper. Aalto-1, a three-unit CubeSat, launched into Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude approximately 500 km, operational since June 2017. It carries three experimental payloads: Aalto Spectral Imager(AaSI), Radiation Monitor (RADMON) Electrostatic Plasma Brake (EPB). AaSI hyperspectral imager visible near-infrared (NIR) wavelength bands, RADMON energetic particle detector EPB de-orbiting technology demonstration payload. platform was designed to accommodate multiple payloads while ensuring sufficient data, power, radio, mechanical electrical interfaces. design strategy payload subsystems consists in-house development commercial subsystems. CubeSat Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) followed Flatsat-Engineering-Qualication Model (EQM)-Flight (FM) model philosophy for qualification acceptance. paper describes approach subsystems, their integration test campaigns spacecraft launch. also ground segment services that were developed by team.