ISO 17981:2024
(Main)Space systems — Cube satellite (CubeSat) interface
Space systems — Cube satellite (CubeSat) interface
This document describes internal and external interfaces of CubeSat. The internal interface includes the interface between components and the interface between a CubeSat platform and a mission payload. The external interface is limited to the umbilical connectors, i.e. access port. The document also describes the items to be included in the datasheet of the CubeSat components and platforms. The datasheet requirements apply to catalogued commercial products ready for sale. This document does not cover the interface between CubeSat and its deployer, i.e. POD. This document is applicable to CubeSats of all sizes.
Systèmes spatiaux — Interface de satellite cubique (CubeSat)
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
ISO 17981
First edition
Space systems — Cube satellite
2024-10
(CubeSat) interface
Systèmes spatiaux — Interface de satellite cubique (CubeSat)
Reference number
© ISO 2024
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 2
5 Internal interface requirements . . 3
5.1 Unit to unit interface .3
5.1.1 General .3
5.1.2 PC-104 style .3
5.1.3 Backplane style .6
5.2 Mission payload to platform interface .6
5.2.1 Mechanical connection .6
5.2.2 Connection methods .6
5.2.3 Ground lines.6
5.2.4 Power .6
5.2.5 Analogue data interface .6
5.2.6 Digital data interface .6
5.2.7 Debugging .6
5.2.8 EMC .7
5.2.9 Fault isolation and recovery .7
5.2.10 Harmlessness to other payloads, platform and missions .7
5.2.11 Safety requirements .7
5.2.12 Radiation .7
6 Datasheet requirements for CubeSat units . 7
6.1 General .7
6.2 General requirements .7
6.3 Electrical power system unit .9
6.4 Communication unit .10
6.5 Command and data handling unit .11
6.6 Attitude determination and control unit .11
6.7 Antenna unit .11
7 Datasheet requirements for CubeSat platforms .12
7.1 General . 12
7.2 Mechanical interface . 12
7.3 Electrical interface . 12
7.4 Software information . 12
7.5 Operation-related Information . 12
7.6 Safety information . 13
7.7 Reliability information . 13
7.8 Assembly, integration and testing Information . 13
8 External electrical interface (umbilical) . 14
Annex A (informative) Typical digital data communication for CubeSats .15
Annex B (informative) PC-104 style example . 17
Annex C (informative) Backplane style example .20
Bibliography .34
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
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The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles, Subcommittee
SC 14, Space systems and operations.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
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iv
Introduction
This document provides requirements for internal and external interfaces of CubeSat. There is increasing
demand of CubeSat development and utilization worldwide. CubeSats are often built with emphasis on low
cost and fast delivery. Low cost can be achieved by extensive use of non-space-qualified commercial-off-the-
shelf parts and units. Fast delivery is, however, often difficult to achieve when the interface of different units,
such as printed circuit board (PCB), do not match each other. The incompatibility can cause significant delay
in the satellite project, leading to the loss of business opportunity or academic/technology competition.
There is also increasing trend that a CubeSat platform that contains all the satellite bus functionalities by a
single vendor is combined with a mission payload. A common standard on the interface between the CubeSat
platform and the mission payload broadens the choice for the those who want to do a space mission but do
not want to build a satellite to select the platform depending on their needs. This document makes it easier
for CubeSat vendors to enter the market of CubeSat platforms.
This document aims to shorten the time required to design, develop, assemble, integrate and test CubeSat
by clarifying the interface from the beginning of the satellite project. The document also aims to promote
international trade of CubeSat units/platforms and international collaboration.
v
International Standard ISO 17981:2024(en)
Space systems — Cube satellite (CubeSat) interface
1 Scope
This document describes internal and external interfaces of CubeSat. The internal interface includes the
interface between components and the interface between a CubeSat platform and a mission payload. The
external interface is limited to the umbilical connectors, i.e
...
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