QB50
QB50 is a challenging and exciting space science project that has CubeSats at the heart if the mission. Lead by the Von Karman Institute (VKI) in Belgium, QB50 aims to investigate thre properties of the lower Thermosphere by doing in-situ measurements with 40-50 nanosatellites. The project is expected to be formally funded by the European Commitee (EC) and European Union (EU) in January 2012.
ISIS – Innovative Solutions In Space is one of the partners in the QB50 project. ISIS has the following key responsibilities within the project:
- Develop the launch dispenser and launcher interfaces
- Coordinate and execute the launch campaign
- Provide Systems Engineering Support on the platform definition
- Provide support to the Communication Working Group
- Provide support to the Orbital Dynamics working Group
With these responsibilities ISIS has a role in defining and managing all the key satellite interfaces: Launch, Communication (ground and space) and Payload Interfacing.
More information on the project and the objectives can be found on the QB50 website: www.QB50.eu
Teams participating in QB50 will deal with ISIS on the QB50 interfaces as part of the project scope and not directly with CubeSatShop.com. Teams that want to procure (sub)systems for their QB50 mission can choose to procure these through the ISIS subsidiary CubeSatShop.com which is an ideal partner for QB50 teams wishing to partner with a party at the heart of the QB50 project that has full control and knowledge over all QB50 project aspects. For those teams CubeSatShop.com provides a single, low risk, interface to their QB50 satellite needs. CubeSatShop.com will offer QB50 compatible systems once a final architecture has been defined within the QB50 project. However, as discussed, the final definition of the QB50 mission and satellite characteristics is still to be determined. In a nutshell CubeSatShop.com is intending to be offering:
- QB50 compatible systems and services from various CubeSatShop.com suppliers
- Special rates for QB50 packages
- Additional discounts for teaming up: Sign up for a package and get other teams to do the same to benefit from additional discounts
- After Sales Support as the project progresses
- Provide active community support on technical issues specifically relating to QB50 such as:
- Communication system design choices
- Guidance on compatibility with QB50 mission objectives
- In-depth analyses of QB50 design constraints and requirements

