Japans Beak 3 Unit 3U Cubesat

The BEAK 3-Unit (3U) CubeSat is a Japanese nanosatellite developed collaboratively by the University of Tokyo in Kashiwa and the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science in Sagamihara. Its primary mission is to test innovative technologies intended for future nano-sized planetary probes. The satellite was launched on November 10, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Dragon CRS-29 resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). It was subsequently deployed from the ISS on December 18, 2023. ([space.skyrocket.de](

Mission Objectives

The BEAK CubeSat aims to demonstrate several key technologies for future nano-sized planetary exploration missions:

• Orbital Maneuvering via Drag Modulation: Utilizing aerodynamic decelerators, such as solar sails and membranes, to adjust the satellite's orbit by modulating atmospheric drag. This technique is intended to enable efficient orbital adjustments for small spacecraft. ([space.skyrocket.de](
• Deployment of Aeroshells Supported by Shape Memory Alloy Frames: Testing the deployment mechanism of protective aeroshells that can shield spacecraft during atmospheric entry, supported by frames made from shape memory alloys. ([space.skyrocket.de](
• Operation of Nano-Sized Propulsion Systems (Water Resistojet): Demonstrating a compact propulsion system that uses water as a propellant, suitable for small-scale spacecraft. ([space.skyrocket.de](
• Nano-Sized Attitude Control Systems: Evaluating miniature systems designed to control the orientation of small spacecraft, which are crucial for mission stability and data accuracy. ([space.skyrocket.de](

Technical Specifications

The BEAK CubeSat is constructed in the 3U CubeSat form factor, measuring 100 x 100 x 340.5 mm and weighing approximately 3 kilograms without payload. It is equipped with solar cells and batteries to power its systems. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Dragon CRS-29 mission to the ISS. ([space.skyrocket.de](

Deployment and Operations

After its launch, BEAK was transported to the International Space Station, where it was deployed into orbit on December 18, 2023. The deployment was conducted using the Japanese Experiment Module Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD), a system designed to release small satellites from the ISS. Following deployment, BEAK began its mission to test the aforementioned technologies. ([nanosats.eu](

Significance and Future Implications

The successful demonstration of these technologies by the BEAK CubeSat is expected to significantly advance the development of nano-sized planetary probes. By proving the viability of compact propulsion systems, efficient orbital maneuvering techniques, and miniature attitude control systems, BEAK contributes to the feasibility of future missions that require small, cost-effective spacecraft capable of exploring distant planetary bodies. ([space.skyrocket.de](

Sources

• — Japan’s BEAK 3-Unit (3U) Cubesat —
• — BEAK 3-Unit (3U) Cubesat —
• — BEAK 3-Unit (3U) Cubesat —
• — BEAK 3-Unit (3U) Cubesat —
• — BEAK 3-Unit (3U) Cubesat —