3U CubeSat technology demonstrator for on-orbit rendezvous and docking, developed by Strathclyde's Space Institute in partnership with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
STRaND-2 CubeSat Rendezvous Demonstrator
3U CubeSat technology demonstrator for on-orbit rendezvous and docking, developed by Strathclyde's Space Institute in partnership with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
Description
STRaND-2 (Surrey Training, Research and Nanosatellite Demonstrator 2) is a 3U CubeSat mission developed by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). The mission demonstrated miniaturised rendezvous and proximity operations technology, including formation flying algorithms and inter-satellite docking mechanisms at CubeSat scale. Strathclyde's Strathclyde Space Institute (SSI) contributed mission design, GNC algorithms, and systems engineering expertise. The mission advanced capabilities for future debris removal, satellite servicing, and autonomous inspection missions using low-cost nanosatellites.
Specifications
| Type | 3U CubeSat |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 10 x 10 x 34 cm |
| Mission | On-orbit rendezvous demonstration |
| Developer | University of Strathclyde / SSTL |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Country | United Kingdom |