TITLE:
A Unified Satellite Taxonomy Proposal Based on Mass and Size
AUTHORS:
Rui C. Botelho A. S., Ademir L. Xavier Jr.
KEYWORDS:
Classification, Satellite, Spacecraft, Payload, Taxonomy
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Aerospace Science and Technology,
Vol.4 No.4,
October
29,
2019
ABSTRACT: The classification of spacecraft by mass is one of the main metrics to
define the size of launch vehicles and the costs of launching satellites into
orbit. The existence of many classifications (based on size categories and mass
range values) makes inaccurate their common global characterization. This paper
presents a review of the main satellite classifications schemes and a brief discussion
about the current trends in the launcher market as an input to the satellite
classification. Based on mass and size ranges and considering previous schemes
and launching capabilities, a new classification arrangement is then proposed.
According to the new scheme, satellites are grouped into 10 categories
following specific rules depending on mass and size. In addition to unifying
previous definitions of categories for small satellites, our new spacecraft
taxonomy has the advantage of creating classes for very large space devices,
such as space stations and potential interplanetary exploration missions.