Microsatellite Bus MP42D

Download MP42 Buses Brochure

The MP42D is the largest and heaviest bus produced by NanoAvionics. It can accommodate a total payload mass of up to 145kg, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding missions and services.

Microsatellites play a variety of important roles in today’s space industry, often being employed when high levels of consistency, precision, and data delivery are required. With an integrated setup and a versatile available payload footprint of 740 x 730 mm (which can be utilized in many different ways, provided the total satellite height doesn’t exceed 1300 mm) the MP42D uses a 24″ ESPA-class separation ring and has a variety of launch options.

The bus includes various deployable solar panel setup options and configurable subsystems so that the setup can be tuned to customer needs. The different hardware and software elements, as well as mission operations protocols, are based on a common baseline architecture, acting as building blocks for different mission requirements.

This approach, combined with standardized data interfaces, control systems, and calibration requirements, ensures the MP42D can act as a robust and versatile platform to meet precise mission performance, agility, and power requirements. The system can be deployed in missions, services, and constellations for various applications including:

Commercial, high data throughput, and complex communications,
Remote sensing and advanced monitoring,
Emergency response and communications systems, and
Research and scientific projects.

If required, the MP42D can also be equipped with a propulsion system to enable the satellite to perform high-impulse maneuvers such as orbital deployment and maintenance, precision flying, orbit synchronization, and atmospheric drag compensation. Such processes can extend satellite orbital lifetime and even open up new opportunities to generate value when mission parameters change.

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Download MP42 Buses Brochure

The MP42D is the largest and heaviest bus produced by NanoAvionics. It can accommodate a total payload mass of up to 145kg, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding missions and services.

Commercial, high data throughput, and complex communications,
Remote sensing and advanced monitoring,
Emergency response and communications systems, and
Research and scientific projects.

Microsatellite General Features:
- Total empty bus mass: from 70 kg (depends on configuration)
- Maximum satellite mass: 220 kg* (depends on configuration and Payload Mass Properties)
- MP42D Payload Envelope: 740 x 730 x 500* mm (*satellite height is highly adjustable to customers payload requirements, up to 1300 mm)
Specifications:
- MP42D Bus is already pre-integrated (mechanically, electrically and functionally tested) and pre-qualified to be ready for instant payload integration. Therefore, final flight acceptance and flight readiness procedures are minimized for the Customer.
- Default operation of MP42D Bus during satellite mission is implemented at command level by execution of uploaded scripts.
- A sophisticated mission code can be prepared by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
Payload Controller 2.0 (Default):
- Zynq®-7015 SoC family device featuring ARM Cortex™-A9 processor mated with Artix®-7 based programmable logic.
- 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).
- Integrated RTC.
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 4× microSD).
- PetaLinux operating system.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- A number of Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - 1x Ethernet (with integrated magnetics).
  - 2x CAN Interfaces.
  - 4x RS422/UART.
  - 2x SPI.
  - 1x UART (Debug).
  - 2x I2C.
  - 1x USB 2.0.
  - Up to 34 x LVDS, GTP, GPIO.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU Frequency Control.
- User-friendly Console.
Payload Controller 1.5 (Optional):
- Cortex™ M7 core, Clock speed up to 400 MHz (configurable).
- 1 MB of internal RAM.
- 2 MB of internal FLASH memory.
- 512 kB of FMC-connected FRAM memory.
- 4 MB FMC-connected SRAM.
- 256 MB of external NOR-FLASH for data storage (2 x two die (64 MB each) chips, QSPI).
- 2×512 kB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- Integrated TRC.
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 2 x 32 GB).
- Three On-Board PWM Controlled H-Bridges.
- PWM Outputs.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- A number of Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - 100BASE-TX Ethernet port.
  - CAN Interface.
  - 2 x RS422 (on request interchangeable with 2 x RS485).
  - 3 x buffered SPI.
  - 2 x USART/UART.
  - 2 x I2C.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU Frequency Control.
- User-friendly Console.
Power System:
- Input MPPT converters efficiency: up to 97 %;
- Output converter efficiency: up to 97 %;
- External battery pack provides up to 995 Wh battery capacity;
- Battery Cell Balancing;
- Fail-Safe Design.
Outputs:
- 20 output channels in default, up to 80 output channels in extended output version (configurable voltage rail);
- Max 5 V Output converter power: 40 W;
- Max 12 V Output converter power: 60 W;
- Max 28 V Output converter power: 75 W;
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (4S1P configuration): 50 W;
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (12S7P configuration): 1050 W.
Inputs:
- Four MPPT converters (12 solar panel input channels) with integrated ideal blocking diodes;
- Solar panel voltage range: 5 – 72 V;
- Max input power per MPPT converter: 50 W;
- Max charging power with 4S1P battery back configuration: 25 W;
- Max charging power with 12S7P battery back configuration: 525 W.
Flight Computer (Including ADCS Functionality):
- ARM 32-bit Cortex™ M7 CPU with clock speed up to 400 MHz (configurable).
- Double-Precision FPU.
- 1 MB of Internal RAM.
- MB of Internal FLASH memory.
- 2×512 KB of FMC-connected FRAM.
- 256 MB of External NOR-FLASH for data storage.
- 2×512 KB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- Integrated RTC.
- microSD NAND memory up to 32 GB.
- On-board Magnetorquers Drivers.
- PWM Outputs.
- In-orbit Firmware Update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – redundant record-based file system.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU frequency control.
- User-friendly console.
- Mission Planner with time-scheduled script/task execution support.
- Telemetry Logging.
ADCS Sensors:
- High precision Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
- Magnetic Sensors System.
- Albedo-free Fine Sun Sensors.
- Star Trackers.
Actuators:
- Reaction Wheels System.
- Integrated Magnetorquers.
Attitude Control type:
- 3-axis stabilization.
Attitude pointing accuracy ranges (pointing/knowledge) and attitude maneuver ability (slew rate) depends on the final bus parameters:
- Up to 0.05° / up to 0.01° / up to 5°/s.
Operational modes:
- Sun pointing mode.
- Nadir pointing mode.
- Velocity pointing mode.
- Ground geodetic coordinate pointing mode.
- Client defined pointing mode.

Microsatellite General Features:
- Total empty bus mass: from 70 kg (depends on configuration)
- Maximum satellite mass: 220 kg* (depends on configuration and Payload Mass Properties)
- MP42D Payload Envelope: 740 x 730 x 500* mm (*satellite height is highly adjustable to customers payload requirements, up to 1300 mm)
Specifications:
- MP42D Bus is already pre-integrated (mechanically, electrically and functionally tested) and pre-qualified to be ready for instant payload integration. Therefore, final flight acceptance and flight readiness procedures are minimized for the Customer.
- Default operation of MP42D Bus during satellite mission is implemented at command level by execution of uploaded scripts.
- A sophisticated mission code can be prepared by the NanoAvionics team according to separately agreed terms and conditions.
Payload Controller 2.0 (Default):
- Zynq®-7015 SoC family device featuring ARM Cortex™-A9 processor mated with Artix®-7 based programmable logic.
- 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).
- Integrated RTC.
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 4× microSD).
- PetaLinux operating system.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- A number of Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - 1x Ethernet (with integrated magnetics).
  - 2x CAN Interfaces.
  - 4x RS422/UART.
  - 2x SPI.
  - 1x UART (Debug).
  - 2x I2C.
  - 1x USB 2.0.
  - Up to 34 x LVDS, GTP, GPIO.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU Frequency Control.
- User-friendly Console.
Payload Controller 1.5 (Optional):
- Cortex™ M7 core, Clock speed up to 400 MHz (configurable).
- 1 MB of internal RAM.
- 2 MB of internal FLASH memory.
- 512 kB of FMC-connected FRAM memory.
- 4 MB FMC-connected SRAM.
- 256 MB of external NOR-FLASH for data storage (2 x two die (64 MB each) chips, QSPI).
- 2×512 kB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- Integrated TRC.
- microSD NAND Memory support (up to 2 x 32 GB).
- Three On-Board PWM Controlled H-Bridges.
- PWM Outputs.
- In-Orbit firmware update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – Redundant Record-based File System.
- A number of Payload dedicated interfaces:
  - 100BASE-TX Ethernet port.
  - CAN Interface.
  - 2 x RS422 (on request interchangeable with 2 x RS485).
  - 3 x buffered SPI.
  - 2 x USART/UART.
  - 2 x I2C.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU Frequency Control.
- User-friendly Console.
Power System:
- Input MPPT converters efficiency: up to 97 %;
- Output converter efficiency: up to 97 %;
- External battery pack provides up to 995 Wh battery capacity;
- Battery Cell Balancing;
- Fail-Safe Design.
Outputs:
- 20 output channels in default, up to 80 output channels in extended output version (configurable voltage rail);
- Max 5 V Output converter power: 40 W;
- Max 12 V Output converter power: 60 W;
- Max 28 V Output converter power: 75 W;
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (4S1P configuration): 50 W;
- Max unregulated output power with on-board battery back (12S7P configuration): 1050 W.
Inputs:
- Four MPPT converters (12 solar panel input channels) with integrated ideal blocking diodes;
- Solar panel voltage range: 5 – 72 V;
- Max input power per MPPT converter: 50 W;
- Max charging power with 4S1P battery back configuration: 25 W;
- Max charging power with 12S7P battery back configuration: 525 W.
Flight Computer (Including ADCS Functionality):
- ARM 32-bit Cortex™ M7 CPU with clock speed up to 400 MHz (configurable).
- Double-Precision FPU.
- 1 MB of Internal RAM.
- MB of Internal FLASH memory.
- 2×512 KB of FMC-connected FRAM.
- 256 MB of External NOR-FLASH for data storage.
- 2×512 KB of FRAM (SPI) for frequently changing data storage.
- Integrated RTC.
- microSD NAND memory up to 32 GB.
- On-board Magnetorquers Drivers.
- PWM Outputs.
- In-orbit Firmware Update.
- Firmware Power-on-check and Restore.
- RFS – redundant record-based file system.
- CSP Support.
- Self-Diagnostics.
- Dynamic CPU frequency control.
- User-friendly console.
- Mission Planner with time-scheduled script/task execution support.
- Telemetry Logging.
ADCS Sensors:
- High precision Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
- Magnetic Sensors System.
- Albedo-free Fine Sun Sensors.
- Star Trackers.
Actuators:
- Reaction Wheels System.
- Integrated Magnetorquers.
Attitude Control type:
- 3-axis stabilization.
Attitude pointing accuracy ranges (pointing/knowledge) and attitude maneuver ability (slew rate) depends on the final bus parameters:
- Up to 0.05° / up to 0.01° / up to 5°/s.
Operational modes:
- Sun pointing mode.
- Nadir pointing mode.
- Velocity pointing mode.
- Ground geodetic coordinate pointing mode.
- Client defined pointing mode.