Structural ICD

Written by: Daniel Asante ( Last Updated: 2025-07-24)

ArcticSat - ExoPOD NOVA Deployer Interface

This drawing set outlines the key dimensions of the ArcticSat CubeSat in relation to the ExoPOD NOVA deployer. For complete guidelines on acceptable CubeSat dimensions, refer to Table 1 in the ExoPOD NOVA User Manual.

Separation switches are embedded on the +Y face of the CubeSat; additional details are provided in the Separation Switch section.

The CubeSat structure ensures adequate clearance, maintaining a minimum of 6.4 mm on the corner rails along the X and Y axes for proper contact with the ExoPOD NOVA deployer. A clearance of 0.2 mm is achievable if the corner rails and crossbar hinges are fabricated within the specified tolerances. The coordinate system illustrated in the figure below aligns with that defined in the ExoPOD NOVA User Manual.

ArcticSat integrated in ExoPod NOVA CAD for dimension compliance.

ArcticSAt coordinate frame in compliance with the ExoPod NOVA deployer

Illustration of ArcticSat's Tuna Can volume in full compliance with the 93 mm diameter Tuna Can dimension in the deployer.

ArcticSat Closed Configuration

ArcticSat Open Configuration

ArcticSat Assembly

The assembly process described below outlines how the ArcticSat CubeSat can be constructed with each module designed to function independently. This modular approach allows for individual assembly and testing of each subsystem before final integration with the structural rails. As a result, the satellite’s structure supports parallel development and testing of all modules. For detailed assembly instructions related to specific modules and deployable wings, refer to the following resources:

POW-COM Module
CDH-AODCS Module
Payload Module
Deployables

All structural components must be electrically bonded in accordance with SSP 30245. Additionally, ensure that all fasteners are installed using the appropriate torque specifications.

UMS-585 Structural Blank Shells

Corner Rails

ArcticSat's corner rails shall be hard anodized (Type III hard anodization). This shall be achieved during FM manufacturing at Precision ADM. The drawings below show the design of the current four rails which encompass ArticSat at its four ends.

UMS-0592: Corner Rail 1

UMS-0593: Corner Rail 2

UMS-0649: Corner Rail 3

UMS-0650: Corner Rail 4

Structural Modularity

ArcticSat's Subsystems have been designed with a modular framework which allows concurrent testing of different subsystems during the Assembly Integration and test phase. Hence, each subsystem can be a stand alone module to be built, and tested before final integration.

POW/COM Module

ADCS/CDH Module

Payload Module

POWER-COMMUNICATIONS MODULE

The drawing below outline the assembly procedure for the POW/COM module. Key components within this module are summarized below:

UMS-0803- POWER BOARD
UMS-0770- COUPLER
UMS-0651- MINI GNSS ANTENNA
UMS-596- S-BAND TMTC [TRANSCEIVER]
UMS-0036- BATTERY CELL
UMS-0053-TORQUE ROD [Z-AXIS]
UMS-0869- SEPARATION SWITCH
UMS-773- REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT

Magnetorquers [Torque Rods]

UMS-0754-TORQUE ROD END

ADCS-CDH MODULE

The following drawings outline the assembly for the ADCS/CDH Module. Key components within this module are summarized below:

UMS-0802- CDH BOARD
UMS-0866- ADCS BOARD
UMS-0750- POWER REGULATOR BOARD
UMS-0927 - PAYLOAD BOARD
UMS-0632- GNSS RECEIVER [NOVATEL OEM719]

GNSS RECEIVER ASSEMBLY

To accommodate all four avionic boards [ CDH, ADCS, POWER REGULATOR & PAYLOAD] with required clearances for harnessing [min. 20 mm board spacing] the entire bottom cover of the bottom ADCS/CDH Module shell [UMS-0669] has been cut to allow enough volume as shown in the image above. Hence, the GNSS Assembly will be placed on top of the Top Payload Shell [UMS-0648].

PAYLOAD MODULE

The following drawings outline the assembly for the ADCS/CDH Module. In this module the GNSS receiver assembly shown above will be directly mounted on top of this module. Key components within this module are summarized below:

UMS-0645 Passive cylindrical radiometer Reflector.
UMS-0818 Feed Arm
UMS-0644 Payload Antenna Feed

Feed Arm Assembly

The following outlines the Feed Arm Design and Assembly. The Feed Arm needs to meet geometric requirements illistrated below. This geometric relationship between the Feed Arm and the Passive Reflector must be met in order to achieve max possible signal gain during Science mode.

UMS-0645 Cylindrical Radiometer Antenna

UMS-0821 Cylindrical Radiometer Reflector Hinge

Solar Wing Assembly

UMS-0273 - 9 Pin micro-D umbilical connector

The umbilical connector [UMS-0273] is necessary for satellite charging, last minute software updates as well as functinal tests. The mounting placement of this connector is crucial as its required to be availabe during any configuration of the satellite incuding when the cubesat is integrated into the deployer. The ExoPod NOVA has access windows which can be used to access this umbilical connector. It is noted that there are access windows located on the Z+ , +Y and +X face of the ExoPod NOVA with particular attention being that the +Y face is partially blocked by the electrical connector and maybe be fully blocked by the launch vehicle harness. Hence the satellite will be orineted in such a way that the current position of the umbilical connector would be oriented in the +X face of the ExoPOD NOVA as illustrated below.

ArcticSat in ExoPOD NOVA deployer illustrated orientation of umbilical connectors and RBF.

A close-up footage of the umbilical connector and RBF

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