publications

2026

1. Mirzo Ulugbek 6U CubeSat: Modular Structural Design, Analysis, and AIT for Earth Observation Mission Deployment

   Hery Steven Mindarno, Louis Alferd Gauvain Lefort, Khabibullokh Olimjon Ugli Azimjonov, and 6 more authors

   2026

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   The Mirzo Ulugbek satellite is a 6U CubeSat designed for Earth Observation (EO) and equipped with a high-resolution camera system. Developed in collaboration between the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and the Uzbekistan Space Agency, Mirzo Ulugbek will be deployed directly from a launch vehicle into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) to enable continuous Earth observation. This paper presents the modular structural design, analysis, and Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) processes that ensure the satellite’s robustness during launch and reliable operation in orbit. The modular design allows efficient integration, disassembly, and reassembly of subsystems, enhancing flexibility during testing. This design approach builds upon Kyutech’s prior experience in 6U-class CubeSat development, particularly through the KITSUNE and VERTECS missions, where modular structural concepts and structured AIT workflows were implemented. Lessons learned from these projects, including subsystem accessibility, mechanical interface standardization, and integration sequencing, are incorporated into the Mirzo Ulugbek structural architecture. Structural integrity is evaluated through static and modal analyses, with modal analysis confirming that the natural frequencies exceed 40 Hz to satisfy launch vehicle stiffness requirements. Static and modal analyses further demonstrate the satellite’s ability to withstand launch-induced mechanical loads. A key feature of Mirzo Ulugbek is its thruster subsystem, which is designed in a compact “tuna can” form factor. Positioned in alignment with the camera subsystem, the thruster optimizes space utilization while ensuring minimal interference with the camera’s operation. This efficient layout supports the satellite’s manoeuvring capabilities without compromising structural integrity or performance. The AIT process integrates critical subsystems, including power generation, communication, on-board data handling, and thermal management, with Kyutech’s attitude determination and control system. The Kyutech Bus system serves as the central platform for subsystem integration and communication. Mechanical environmental verification activities, including shock, random vibration, and sinusoidal vibration testing, are planned to validate the satellite’s structural robustness. The Mirzo Ulugbek mission, set for launch in Q3 2027, will provide valuable Earth Observation data to Uzbekistan, supporting both scientific and commercial applications.

2023

1. The Role of the Metaverse in the Future of the Space Sector

   L.N. Abdala, S. Bellocine, I. Costa, and 18 more authors

   Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2023

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   This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of potential applications and impacts of Metaverse technologies in the space sector. The work is organized in several sections. The first part provides an overview of the current use of the Metaverse within the space sector resulting from a literature review and a market analysis. Second, this paper analyses existing applications and proposes suggestions for specific use cases spanning from space operations, engineering and design, astronaut training, space medicine, tourism, sustainability initiatives and public outreach. The following part elaborates on ethical aspects and the role of emerging space countries, governments and entrepreneurship. Finally, a road map for future implementation of the Metaverse in the space sector is provided. The paper further delves into the benefits and challenges of Metaverse integration. Benefits include enhanced visualization, efficient collaboration, inspiring educational experiences, and cost-effective training. However, challenges involve hardware limitations, user discomfort, network constraints and regulatory uncertainty. Finally, recommendations are presented for space organizations to incorporate Metaverse solutions into diverse domains through a phased, usercentric approach focused on tangible benefits and continuous improvement. If adopted judiciously, the Metaverse promises to revolutionize how space is explored, experienced, and understood.

   @article{Sarode2023,
     title = {The Role of the Metaverse in the Future of the Space Sector},
     journal = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC},
     year = {2023},
     volume = {2023-October},
     author = {Abdala, L.N. and Bellocine, S. and Costa, I. and Facchinetti, G. and Fayet-Moore, F. and Ghosh, A. and Hohenb{\"u}hel, M.-L. and Reis, J.D. and Lambert, M. and Man, L. and Prasad, K. and R{\'a}\v{c}kov{\'a}, L. and Riu, G. and Rodrigues, D. and da Silva, A.F. and Sreekumar, S. and Wiseman, B.C. and Sarode, A. and Pereira, M.C. and Cohen, J. and Green, J.},
   }

2022

1. EX.PL.RE. - Directed Energy Mission to a Nearby Star System

   R. Russwurm, C. Barta, S. Beckworth, and 13 more authors

   Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2022

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   The next frontier for humanity is beyond our solar system, embracing interstellar travel to expand our knowledge of what is beyond our current scope of vision and understanding. This project outlines a Directed Energy mission to the Alpha Centauri star system, our neighboring solar system, as a technological proof of concept and scientific mission. This mission will utilize a laser array to propel a swarm of miniaturized light sail gram-scaled spacecraft into the interstellar medium at 20% the speed of light to travel the 25 trillion miles for a journey of approximately 20 years. During the journey, the scientific payload on the light sails will collect groundbreaking data and, upon arrival at the Alpha Centauri system, will continue its scientific mission to provide humanity with a glimpse of what may await us in space. The miniaturization of the scientific payloads, the advancements in material science for the development of space-worthy structures, along with incorporating efficient radioisotope thermal generators and autonomous operation systems, will facilitate the success of this interstellar mission. An assessment of the Alpha Centauri system will be conducted as the swarm of spacecraft reaches its destination, and a better understanding of the exoplanets in that system will be the result. The questions will be answered as to if we can find another habitable planet for humanity in another solar system using the ancient methods of travel and exploration, a sail and some wind. We will come full circle in our quest to explore and be the first of its kind, not unlike the early explorers that set sail on the seas to find out what was beyond their scope of vision.

   @article{Sarode2022,
     title = {EX.PL.RE. - Directed Energy Mission to a Nearby Star System},
     journal = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC},
     year = {2022},
     volume = {2022-September},
     author = {Russwurm, R. and Barta, C. and Beckworth, S. and Binner, S. and Doyle, \'{E} and Goyal, T. and Kim, K. and Knie, J. and Laran, V. and Santos, A. and Milian, O. and Moretti, W. and Rend{\'o}n, V.A. and Richardson, C. and Sarode, A. and Sofge, K.K.},
   }