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updated sys eng page with mermaid diagrams, adde content to launch index page
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‎about/systems-engineering.md

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@@ -25,6 +25,28 @@ Building a satellite involves complex systems that need careful planning and int
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- Identify potential risks early in the development process and implement strategies to mitigate them.
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- Regular testing, reviews, and simulations help identify weak points and prevent system failures.
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```mermaid
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flowchart TD
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A["Mission Planning\n(Objectives, Roles, Timeline)"] --> B["System Design\n(Subsystem Specs, Interface Definitions)"]
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B --> C["Hardware Development\n(PCBs, Integration)"]
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B --> D["Software Development\n(OBC, COM, EPS Logic)"]
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C --> E["Testing\n(Unit, Functional, Integration)"]
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D --> E
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E --> F["Simulation & Verification\n(In-lab Testing, Ground Station Link)"]
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F --> G["Launch Preparation\n(Docs, Reviews, Approval)"]
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G --> H["Launch & Operations\n(Data Collection, Monitoring)"]
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style A fill:#c3e5ff,stroke:#005596,stroke-width:2px
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style B fill:#e8f5ff,stroke:#0077b6,stroke-width:1.5px
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style C fill:#f5faff,stroke:#0096c7
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style D fill:#f5faff,stroke:#00b4d8
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style E fill:#e0fbfc,stroke:#0077b6
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style F fill:#d0f0ff,stroke:#005596
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style G fill:#caf0f8,stroke:#0077b6
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style H fill:#ade8f4,stroke:#023e8a
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```
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---
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## What are the phases of a satellite?

‎launch/index.md

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layout: default
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permalink: "/launch/"
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lang: en
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nav_fold: false
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---
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# Launch
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# CubeSat Launch Overview
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{: .no_toc }
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<details markdown="block">
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<summary>Table of Contents</summary>
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- Table of Contents
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{:toc}
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</details>
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## Introduction
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Securing a launch opportunity is a critical milestone in your satellite project. This page offers guidance on how to find cost-effective launch options, funding opportunities, and partnerships. Whether you're a university team or part of a national space program, understanding the launch landscape will help you maximize mission success.
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---
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## Cost-Effective Launch Options
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Here are some strategies to access affordable CubeSat launches:
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- **Rideshare Missions**: Share launch space with other small satellites to reduce cost.
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- **Space Agency Initiatives**: Many agencies offer launch opportunities for educational or developing country missions.
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- **Hosted Payloads**: Some commercial satellites accept CubeSats as payloads.
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- **Academic Launch Programs**: Partner with universities or programs that already have launch slots.
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🧠 **Tip**: Reduce volume to 1U or 2U where possible—smaller satellites are easier to manifest affordably.
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---
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## Recommended Launch Providers and Brokers
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<table>
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<thead>
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<tr>
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<th>Provider</th>
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<th>Description</th>
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<th>Link</th>
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</tr>
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</thead>
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<tbody>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>SpaceX Rideshare</strong></td>
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<td>Low-cost rideshare via Transporter missions (as low as $275K for 50kg).</td>
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<td><a href="https://www.spacex.com/rideshare/" target="_blank">spacex.com/rideshare</a></td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>Exolaunch</strong></td>
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<td>Launch broker offering integration and deployment services.</td>
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<td><a href="https://exolaunch.com/" target="_blank">exolaunch.com</a></td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>Nanoracks</strong></td>
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<td>Access to ISS via CubeSat deployment from airlocks.</td>
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<td><a href="https://nanoracks.com/" target="_blank">nanoracks.com</a></td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>Momentus</strong></td>
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<td>Space tugs offering last-mile delivery for CubeSats.</td>
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<td><a href="https://momentus.space/" target="_blank">momentus.space</a></td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>ISRO</strong></td>
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<td>Indian Space Research Organization offers affordable PSLV rideshares.</td>
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<td><a href="https://www.antrix.co.in/" target="_blank">antrix.co.in</a></td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td><strong>Virgin Orbit (inactive)</strong></td>
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<td>Offered air-launched CubeSat deployment. Currently not operational.</td>
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<td><a href="https://virginorbit.com/" target="_blank">virginorbit.com</a></td>
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</tr>
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</tbody>
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</table>
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---
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## Funding Opportunities
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Funding your launch is often as hard as building your satellite. Here are avenues to explore:
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- **UN/JAXA KiboCUBE**
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Provides CubeSat deployment from the ISS for developing nations.
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🔗 [UN/JAXA KiboCUBE](https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/psa/hsti/kibocube.html)
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- **ESA InCubed or Fly Your Satellite**
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ESA programs for educational or innovative CubeSat missions.
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🔗 [Fly Your Satellite](https://www.esa.int/Education/CubeSats_-_Fly_Your_Satellite)
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- **NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI)**
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Offers free launch opportunities for U.S.-affiliated teams.
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🔗 [CSLI](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/CubeSats_initiative)
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- **National Grants & Innovation Funds**
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Many countries offer small research or tech innovation grants that can support launch costs. Check with your Ministry of Education or Science.
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- **Private Foundations**
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Look into programs like the [AIAA Foundation](https://www.aiaa.org/foundation) or [XPRIZE](https://www.xprize.org/) for funding or exposure.
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---
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## Satellite Deployment Interfaces
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You’ll need to choose the correct deployment system depending on your launch:
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- **P-POD (Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer)**
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Commonly used for 1U–3U CubeSats.
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- **ISIPOD / XPOD**
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Alternatives to P-POD depending on provider preferences.
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- **Nanoracks Deployer**
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For CubeSats deployed from the ISS.
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⚙️ Always confirm mechanical and electrical interface specs early in your mission planning.
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---
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## 📊 Launch Planning Process
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```mermaid
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flowchart TD
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A[Start CubeSat Project] --> B[Define Mission Requirements]
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B --> C[Assess Satellite Size & Readiness]
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C --> D{Need Launch Funding?}
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D -- Yes --> E[Apply for Grants & Programs]
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D -- No --> F[Shortlist Launch Providers]
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E --> F
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F --> G[Contact Launch Brokers or Space Agencies]
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G --> H[Select Launch Opportunity]
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H --> I[Review Deployment Interface Specs]
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I --> J[Integrate Satellite with Deployer]
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J --> K[Conduct Testing & Validation]
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K --> L[Obtain Licenses & Certifications]
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L --> M[Deliver to Launch Site]
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M --> N[Launch! 🚀]
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```
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---
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## Launch Readiness Tips
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✅ Checklist for preparing for launch:
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- [ ] Confirm EPS and battery compliance with launch provider
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- [ ] Pass vibration and thermal vacuum testing
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- [ ] Secure flight certification from national authority (e.g., JAXA, NASA, ANFR)
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- [ ] Validate RF licensing and IARU coordination
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- [ ] Submit documentation 3–6 months before launch date
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---
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## Connect with Others
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Join communities that announce launch calls:
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- [CubeSat Developers Workshop (Cal Poly)](https://www.cubesat.org/)
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- [AMSAT Forums](https://www.amsat.org/)
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- [CubeSat Slack Channels](https://join.slack.com/t/cubesats/shared_invite/...)
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- [Open Source CubeSat Forum](https://www.librecube.org/)
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---
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[🛰️ Back to Getting Started]({{site.url}}/getting-started/)

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