Lessons Learned from the GT-1 1U CubeSat Mission

With more universities conducting low-cost small satellite development programs, resources for students starting off in satellite design are essential to avoid common pitfalls. Hardware integration and testing of the GT-1 CubeSat revealed both design flaws and strengths that led to a comprehensive list of lessons learned applicable to future CubeSat missions at the Georgia Institute of Technology Space Systems Design Laboratory (SSDL) and within the broader academic community. GT-1 was originally slated to be designed, built, and delivered in nine months with an orbital lifespan of around seven months. However, various schedule delays resulted in the mission spanning over two years. This paper provides a resource to those beginning a small satellite development program at the university level by presenting a case study of lessons learned from the GT-1 mission. Detail will be provided for topics including best practices for enabling modular design, creating effective documentation, structural design for proper fit-up and manufacturability, testing, and planning a realistic mission scope.