IS 19067:2024 (ISO/TS 20991:2018) highlights the key necessities for small spacecraft to ensure external safety, operational compatibility and environmental sustainability. It offers a framework for the design, development and deployment of small spacecraft, comprising CubeSats, and addresses many characteristics of launch interface, safety and debris reduction.

Understanding IS 19067: 2024 ISO/TS 20991: 2018 Space Systems - Requirements for Small Spacecraft

The fast advancement of space technology has led to a substantial growth in the deployment of small spacecraft, especially in the last decade. These spacecraft, often denoted to as small satellites, include several types including mini-, micro-, nano- and pico-satellites, as well as CubeSats. The upsurge of small spacecraft has been determined by the need for cost-effective space missions, educational opportunities, and technical demonstrations. Though, their compressed size and unique mission aims present specific challenges, specifically when designed to launch larger spacecraft as well as secondary or piggyback payloads. 

IS 19067:2024, adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as India’s version of ISO/TS 20991:2018, provides a detailed set of guidelines and minimum requirements for small spacecraft. These standards ensure that small spacecraft meet critical safety, operational and environmental standards, regardless of size, mission or launch arrangement. This document is important for small spacecraft developers, especially those seeking entry into the space sector, providing practical understanding into significant areas such as launch interface, safety protocols, debris mitigation and radio frequency compatibility. These objectives are to sustain the stability of space operations and reduce risks to co-passengers and launch vehicles. As space exploration expands, these standards play an important role in ensuring that small spacecraft missions are implemented effectively and responsibly.

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Scope of IS 19067: 2024

The scope of IS 19067:2024 standards cover the minimum requirements for small spacecraft, covering a range of recognized spacecraft categories including mini-, micro-, nano-, pico-, and femto-satellites, as well as CubeSats. The document recognizes that small spacecraft often use unconventional development and management philosophies, which are usually designed to minimize costs and accelerate delivery timelines. 

Small spacecraft, by their very nature, often have to launch using shared or secondary payload arrangements, which means they are combined with a central payload or a deployment system, which levies specific constraints on both design and operational processes. The shared-launch method creates several requirements to ensure that the spacecraft, the primary payload, the launcher, or any secondary payload do not pose a threat.

While the main focus of the standard is safety, the document also shields other important aspects such as co-passengers and launch vehicles, debris mitigation and environmental impact during all phases of the spacecraft life cycle, including valid design, launch, deployment, operation and disposal.

Key Terminology

Understanding the terminology used in the standard is important for understanding the necessities highlighted in IS 19067:2024. The standard offers clear definitions for various terms, such as:

• CubeSat: A type of small satellite measuring 100 mm on each side, weighing 1.33 kg or less. CubeSats are among the most common forms of small spacecraft and are frequently used in educational and research missions.
• :Deployer: A mechanism that holds CubeSats or other small spacecraft during the launch phase, ensuring that they are safely ejected from the launch vehicle at the appropriate time.
• Launch Operator: The entity responsible for managing the launch of the spacecraft, including ensuring that all launch requirements are met.
• Untraditional Spacecraft Development and Management Philosophy: This refers to development approaches that prioritize cost-efficiency and rapid delivery, often using commercially available components and streamlining processes to minimize time and expense.

Also Read: IS 18854: 2024 ISO 24917: 2020 Space Systems - General Test Requirements for Launch Vehicles

Key Requirements for IS 19067: 2024 ISO/TS 20991: 2018 Space Systems - Requirements for Small Spacecraft

Small spacecraft requirements, as outlined in IS 19067:2024, are focused on ensuring space operations standard safety, compatibility and stability. These requirements address many of the concerns presented by launch interfaces to debris mitigation strategies and cover all phases of the spacecraft’s life cycle.

• Launch Interface: When a small spacecraft is to be launched as an assisting or piggyback payload, the Interface Control Document (ICD) agreed upon in that launch contract must be followed. This document outlines the spacecraft and launch vehicle specific requirements and conditions for integration. This deployment process also serves as a reference, ensuring that the spacecraft is released at the right time and in a safe manner.
• Safety Compliance: Safety is paramount in space operations, and small spacecraft must meet rigorous safety standards to ensure they do not pose a risk to the launch vehicle, their crew, or other payloads. ISO 14620-1 requires launch sites to comply with specific safety regulations. These rules address a number of issues including hazardous materials, fireworks, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and contamination risks.
• Harmlessness to Co-passengers and Launcher: It is essential to safely separate and deploy the launch vehicle, or the small spacecraft, and prevent any damage to the spacecraft itself, the primary payload, or the launcher. The spacecraft must be able to perform the launcher's separation functions under given parameters, including its speed and separation angle, without causing any collateral damage. In addition, the spacecraft must meet stringent requirements that limit the release of gases that could contaminate or harm other payloads. Specific requirements have also been set concerning the power state, radio transmission and deployable systems to ensure that the spacecraft does not interfere with other payloads during launch.
• Radio Frequency Compatibility: Small spacecraft must fulfill with radio frequency compatibility requirements that ensure transmissions do not interfere with other spacecraft or launch vehicles. These requests are generally stated in the ICD and are required to be followed by both spacecraft and their Deployer.
• Debris Mitigation: One of the most significant considerations in space operations today is to reduce debris. Every small spacecraft, regardless of size or mission, must comply with the debris mitigation standards specified in ISO 24113. The objective of the guidelines is to reduce the creation of space debris, which can pose a real threat to other spacecraft and satellites in orbit.
• Registration and Regulatory Compliance: Due to international agreements, small spacecraft are required to be registered with the United Nations after launch. Maintaining transparency in space operations and ensuring compliance with national and international space laws is an important step.
• CubeSat-Specific Requirements: For CubeSats, there are additional specific requirements that must be met, such as compliance with ISO 17770 for deployment and separation. In the event of a conflict between these requirements and those outlined in IS 19067:2024, the latter requirement takes precedence.
• Verification and Testing: Compliance with these standards and verification are critical to ensure that the spacecraft meets all required safety, performance, and operational requirements. Documents proving compliance must be provided and reviewed by the appropriate authorities. This validation includes testing related to safety, toxicity, debris mitigation and radio frequency use. Test validators often use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components that require toughness testing to ensure they can survive the harsh environments of space and the pressure of launch. The purpose of the verification process is to guarantee the integrity of the spacecraft and ensure that it will function as envisioned once deployed.

Conclusion

IS 19067:2024 (ISO/TS 20991:2018) provides an important framework for small spacecraft development and operations. As the space sector becomes progressively accessible and diverse, and universities and start- ups drive a significant portion of the innovation, it is vital to maintain these high standards of safety, sustainability and international cooperation.

This standard addresses a wide range of launch interface debris minimization requirements and ensures that small spacecraft can co-exist with other space missions. And can contribute to the growing space ecosystem without introducing unnecessary risks. In addition, the flexibility of the standard makes it a valuable resource for people visiting these space zones, this provides clear guidelines to ensure that small spacecraft meet minimum operational and safety standards.