Challenges and Opportunities in Advancing CubeSat Technologies for Good Space Stewardship: A Regulatory and Technological Perspective

The exponential growth in CubeSat deployments has revolutionized access to space, democratizing opportunities for education, research, and commercial ventures. Yet, this expansion comes at a cost—a growing concern over space debris and orbital congestion. Regulatory agencies, including Transport Canada and the US Department of Transportation, have established guidelines to ensure responsible satellite operations, mandating deorbiting within five years of mission completion and collision avoidance measures. However, these regulations often exceed the technical capabilities of current CubeSat platforms, especially in Sunsynchronous orbits (SSOs) exceeding 600 km in altitude. This paper addresses the critical disconnect between regulatory ambitions and CubeSat technologies. We analyze the impact of deorbit regulations on the design and operation of 1U, 3U, and 6U CubeSats, focusing on propulsion and passive deorbiting solutions. Orbital simulations are conducted to evaluate the ΔV requirements for compliant deorbiting from various altitudes, emphasizing the challenges of incorporating sufficient propellant within the stringent mass and volume constraints of CubeSats. The study highlights commercially available monopropellants and their integration challenges, alongside a survey of alternative mechanisms such as drag sails and electrodynamic tethers. Our findings reveal that while lower orbital altitudes facilitate passive deorbiting within regulatory timelines, they significantly constrain mission utility and operational lifespan. We demonstrate that drag sails, although effective in reducing orbital decay time, impose substantial penalties on payload mass and stowage volume. Similarly, electrodynamic tethers, though promising, face deployment reliability and power generation challenges. We also present a case study of the propulsion system of the LISSA satellite built in STARLab at the University of Manitoba to illustrate the complexities of regulatory compliance, from pressure vessel certifications to launch vehicle-specific requirements. The discussion extends to the implications of using mass dummies during vibrational testing and the logistical hurdles of on-site fueling, underscoring the interplay between engineering decisions and regulatory constraints. In light of these challenges, we propose actionable recommendations to harmonize regulatory objectives with technological advancements. These include fostering collaborations between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders, incentivizing research into miniaturized propulsion systems, and developing standardized protocols for passive deorbiting devices. By aligning regulatory frameworks with the realities of CubeSat engineering, we can pave the way for more sustainable and responsible space operations. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on space stewardship by providing a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory and technological landscape for CubeSats. It underscores the urgency of addressing the existing gaps to ensure that CubeSats remain a viable and responsible tool for advancing space science and industry. The insights gained from this study will inform future CubeSat missions and regulatory policies, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation in small satellite operations. We invite collaboration and feedback from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies to drive this critical agenda forward.

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