Design and development of an interface for picosatellites space qualification

Picosatellites are gaining increasing attention for their versatility in scientific research and commercial applications, necessitating robust space qualification processes to ensure mission success. This paper presents the design and development of a dedicated interface for the space qualification of the RedPill picosatellite, developed by the J2050 team. The interface was engineered to facilitate vibration tests, a critical aspect of satellite qualification, by integrating advanced mechanical and structural features. The qualification process involved two key phases: numerical simulations conducted using ANSYS software and experimental validation through vibration tests performed on an electrodynamic shaker. Comparative analysis between simulated and experimental results demonstrated the reliability of the interface and provided valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the satellite under launch conditions. This work highlights the importance of tailored testing platforms for picosatellite qualification and offers a comprehensive methodology for bridging simulation and experimental testing in aerospace engineering.