6U nanosatellite bus M6P

Download the M6P bus brochure here

Today’s 6U CubeSats are high-performance, reliable, and versatile systems that are unlocking a wealth of new capabilities for forward-thinking mission designers. Such innovation requires a stable, proven, and user-friendly platform in order to maximize value creation in orbit. The NanoAvionics M6P nanosatellite bus has been specifically designed to meet these criteria, while ensuring a significant amount of available payload space, and is equally well-suited for single-satellite missions or constellations.

The M6P’s onboard systems are flight-proven and are pre-configured, to simplify and speed up integration. This allows you to focus more time and effort on higher-level mission tasks, such as optimizing payload performance or testing new services.

By applying modern industrial processes and concepts we develop standardized modular satellite buses that are more reliable and cost-effective to integrate than custom-built alternatives. Our M6P multi-purpose systems also meet the requirements of a wide range of applications including:

Earth Observation (EO),
Remote sensing,
Commercial communication,
Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications,
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) aviation traffic monitoring and control,
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) maritime traffic monitoring and control,
Scientific and research missions, and
Emergency communication services.

All critical systems onboard, including the flight computer, payload controller, electrical power system (EPS), and communication systems, utilize radiation-tolerant components. The hardware layout maximizes payload volume while ensuring robust power functionality, reliability, and precise thermal control for sensitive payloads, such as measurement and sensing instruments.

The bus also has a decentralized data system that enables fast data rates and an optional high-impulse propulsion unit can also be included, so that mission objectives and timelines can be extended or adjusted if required.

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Download the M6P bus brochure here

Earth Observation (EO),
Remote sensing,
Commercial communication,
Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications,
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) aviation traffic monitoring and control,
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) maritime traffic monitoring and control,
Scientific and research missions, and
Emergency communication services.

Bus Features:
- Empty bus mass: 4500 g / 5500 g
- Max payload mass: 7500 g
- Payload volume: up to 5U
- Contains high-performance propulsion system EPSS C1.5.
- M6P bus is already pre-integrated (mechanically, electrically, and functionally tested) and pre-qualified to be immediately ready for payload integration, which minimizes, final flight acceptance and flight readiness procedures for the customer.
- Sample mission code is pre-installed for the customer to be able to run system diagnostics upon delivery of the bus and quick payload integration.
- Sophisticated mission code can be prepared by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
- Payload integration service can be performed by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
Payload Controller 2.0:
- Maximum frequency 866 MHz.
- 74K Programmable Logic Cells.
- 256 KB on-chip RAM (processor) and 36 KB block RAM (programmable logic).
- 32 MB of external NOR-FLASH for Boot (2× 16 MB chips, QSPI).
- 3 × 512KB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- 2 × 512MB of RAM (DDR3).
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 4× microSD).
- PetaLinux operating system.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- CSP Support.
- Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - Ethernet (1 Gbps).
  - CAN Interfaces.
  - RS422/UART.
  - SPI.
  - UART.
  - I2C.
  - USB 2.0.
  - LVDS, GTP, GPIO.
Electrical Power System:
- Input, Output converter efficiency: up to 96 %.
- External battery pack provides:
  - 2S2P Configuration: 46 Wh of battery capacity.
  - 2S7P Configuration: 161 Wh of battery capacity.
- 4 adjustable regulated voltage rails: 3.3V, 5V, Configurable 3V-12V.
Outputs (Over-current protected):
- 10 output channels in default, up to 18 output channels in extended output version.
- Max 3.3 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max 5 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max 3 – 12 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (2S1P configuration): 25 W.
- Max unregulated output power with external battery pack (2S7P configuration): 175 W.
Inputs:
- 4 MPPT Converters (8 channels) with Integrated Ideal Blocking Diodes.
- Solar panel input voltage: 2.6 – 15 V.
- Max input power per converter: 25 W.
- Max charging power with on-board battery back (2S1P configuration): 10 W.
- Max charging power with extended battery pack (2S7P configuration): up to 70 W.
Flight Computer (Including ADCS functionality):
- Maximum frequency 400 MHz
- FreeRTOS
- In-orbit firmware update and Self-Diagnostics
- CSP, KISS support
- Mission planner with time scheduled script/task execution support
- Telemetry logging
ADCS sensors and actuators:
- NanoAvionics Sun Sensors
- Integrated magnetic and inertial sensors
- Reaction Wheels System NanoAvionics “SatBus 4RW0”
- Integrated NanoAvionics Magnetorquers
- Start Tracker
Attitude control type: 3-axis stabilization

Attitude pointing accuracy: up to 0.1°

Attitude pointing knowledge: up to 0.05°

Stability accuracy (Jitter): ±0.004°/s (at f>4Hz)

Attitude maneuver ability (slew rate): up to 5°/s

Operational modes:
- Sun pointing mode
- Nadir pointing mode
- Velocity pointing mode
- Ground geodetic coordinate pointing mode
- Client defined pointing mode

HIGHLIGHTED MISSIONS

Gama Alpha

Client name

Gama

Launch date

2023 01 03

Gama, a French space start-up, has contracted NanoAvionics for a demonstration of Gama’s solar sails propulsion system in low Earth orbit. Under the mission agreement, NanoAvionics provided 6U nanosatellite bus, payload integration services, a satellite testing campaign, launch services and satellite operations. Gama “Alpha” is Europe‘s first solar sail mission and was launched aboard SpaceX Transporter-6.

Read the press release

MilSpace 2

Client name

FFI (Norway) TNO & NLR (The Netherlands)

Launch date

2023 01 03

“Birkeland” and “Huygens” are two 6U satellites built for FFI from Norway and NLR and TNO from The Netherlands. It is the first known two-satellite system to detect, classify, and accurately geolocate Radio Frequency signals, including navigation radars used on ships, by combining the measurement angle of arrival (AoA) and time difference of arrival (TDOA). Simultaneous detection of pulsed radio signals by both satellites flying in tandem enables accurate geolocation during all weather conditions.

HYPSO-1

Client name

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Launch date

2022 01 13

HYPSO-1 is a 6U nanosatellite built for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), to conduct ocean research. From its Sun-synchronous orbit, HYPSO-1 (HYPer-spectral Satellite for ocean Observation) is monitoring algal blooms and other aspects of ocean health in an autonomous synergy with robotic agents around the Norwegian coast. It is the first of the two satellites NanoAvionics is supplying to the program.

Read the press release

Tiger-2

Client name

OQ Technology

Launch date

2021 06 29

Tiger-2, a 6U nanosatellite, is the second mission for NanoAvionics with OQ Technology and the latest addition to OQ Technology’s growing low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of nanosatellites. Their constellation intends to provide basic commercial IoT and M2M services, using 5G connectivity, to customers with a focus on Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. NanoAvionics was contracted to build, integrate and operate the nanosatellite for OQ Technology 5G IoT mission.

Read the press release

Bravo and Charlie

Client name

Aurora Insight

Launch date

2021 01 24 and 2021 04 28

“Bravo” and “Charlie” are two 6U nanosatellites NanoAvionics that built, launched, and have been operating for Aurora Insight, a U.S. business analytics company for the wireless industry. Both satellites have been scanning the radio frequency (RF) environment from LEO and are a critical part of Aurora’s technology, which maps network activity around the world.

Read the press release

Bus Features:
- Empty bus mass: 4500 g / 5500 g
- Max payload mass: 7500 g
- Payload volume: up to 5U
- Contains high-performance propulsion system EPSS C1.5.
- M6P bus is already pre-integrated (mechanically, electrically, and functionally tested) and pre-qualified to be immediately ready for payload integration, which minimizes, final flight acceptance and flight readiness procedures for the customer.
- Sample mission code is pre-installed for the customer to be able to run system diagnostics upon delivery of the bus and quick payload integration.
- Sophisticated mission code can be prepared by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
- Payload integration service can be performed by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
Payload Controller 2.0:
- Maximum frequency 866 MHz.
- 74K Programmable Logic Cells.
- 256 KB on-chip RAM (processor) and 36 KB block RAM (programmable logic).
- 32 MB of external NOR-FLASH for Boot (2× 16 MB chips, QSPI).
- 3 × 512KB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- 2 × 512MB of RAM (DDR3).
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 4× microSD).
- PetaLinux operating system.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- CSP Support.
- Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - Ethernet (1 Gbps).
  - CAN Interfaces.
  - RS422/UART.
  - SPI.
  - UART.
  - I2C.
  - USB 2.0.
  - LVDS, GTP, GPIO.
Electrical Power System:
- Input, Output converter efficiency: up to 96 %.
- External battery pack provides:
  - 2S2P Configuration: 46 Wh of battery capacity.
  - 2S7P Configuration: 161 Wh of battery capacity.
- 4 adjustable regulated voltage rails: 3.3V, 5V, Configurable 3V-12V.
Outputs (Over-current protected):
- 10 output channels in default, up to 18 output channels in extended output version.
- Max 3.3 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max 5 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max 3 – 12 V Output converter power: 20 W.
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (2S1P configuration): 25 W.
- Max unregulated output power with external battery pack (2S7P configuration): 175 W.
Inputs:
- 4 MPPT Converters (8 channels) with Integrated Ideal Blocking Diodes.
- Solar panel input voltage: 2.6 – 15 V.
- Max input power per converter: 25 W.
- Max charging power with on-board battery back (2S1P configuration): 10 W.
- Max charging power with extended battery pack (2S7P configuration): up to 70 W.
Flight Computer (Including ADCS functionality):
- Maximum frequency 400 MHz
- FreeRTOS
- In-orbit firmware update and Self-Diagnostics
- CSP, KISS support
- Mission planner with time scheduled script/task execution support
- Telemetry logging
ADCS sensors and actuators:
- NanoAvionics Sun Sensors
- Integrated magnetic and inertial sensors
- Reaction Wheels System NanoAvionics “SatBus 4RW0”
- Integrated NanoAvionics Magnetorquers
- Start Tracker
Attitude control type: 3-axis stabilization

Attitude pointing accuracy: up to 0.1°

Attitude pointing knowledge: up to 0.05°

Stability accuracy (Jitter): ±0.004°/s (at f>4Hz)

Attitude maneuver ability (slew rate): up to 5°/s

Operational modes:
- Sun pointing mode
- Nadir pointing mode
- Velocity pointing mode
- Ground geodetic coordinate pointing mode
- Client defined pointing mode