## 1 Introduction  
CubeSats are classified as a form of research and commercial spacecraft, originally developed in 1999 as a collaborative project between California Polytechnic state university (CalPoly) and the space program at Stanford University [1]. The aim of the project is to standardize Nanosatellite design, reducing time and development costs. This is significantly contributing to the perpetually expanding accessibility of space exploration and experimentation. CubeSats are typically built with off-the-shelf components, readily available from specialist suppliers. CubeSats are classified by U notations referring to the maximum dimensions and allowable weights specified by the CubeSat design guide [1], specifically the 1-3U Design Specification as this paper concerns a 3U satellite. The purpose of a CubeSat is to deliver, navigate and safely return a small payload through space to Earth. CubeSats do not independently launch into orbit. They are transported there by a launch vehicle (LV) as secondary payload. Launch vehicles are pre-scheduled flights operated by CubeSat partner companies in addition to space services and small satellite services, including Spaceflight Industries,Tyvak, NanoRacks, Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS) and CalPoly [2]. The nanosatellites are placed within an orbital deployer which safely releases the satellites into orbit after launch. The orbital deployer also helps to ensure the safety of the vehicle by encapsulating the satellites [3]. As of 19 September 2016, a total of 479 CubeSats had been officially launched worldwide [2]. Of those launched, 210 are still operational and gathering data [2]. 70 nanosatellites were destroyed during launch [2]. A total of 40.8% of nanosatellites were launched by academic institutions, the highest of all categories [2]. This was followed by private companies in second with a total of 40.2% of all launches. Other major contributors included the military (5.3%) and space agencies (6.7%) [2]. The 3U CubeSat holds the market majority for chosen dimensions. 52.9% of all launched satellites conformed to these dimensions. The second most popular choice was the 1U configuration which had a 17.9% share of all launched types [4]. Although the first CubeSat was launched in 1999 the number of launches has grown significantly in recent years. The first major advancement in launch numbers came in 2013. The launch number for this year was 87, a huge increase on the previous year's total of 25 [2]. This grew to around 150 per year in 2014/2015 and had peaked to 288 in 2016. There were 295 launches for 2017 [2] which highlights how rapidly this technology is advancing and the increasing rate at which it is becoming more accessible [5]. Previous experiments conducted by CubeSats include imaging of Earth's surface, investigating the effect of lightning strikes on the outer ionosphere, deployment as an autonomous inspector to examine the host satellite and performing an experiment on _E. coli_ bacteria in space [6]. The opportunities for research projects presented by CubeSat technology are potentially limitless. The main restriction is ensuring the experiment can be encased within the specified U dimensions and remains under the pre-agreed weight limit [1]. The power supply and propulsion system are limiting factors to the lifecycle and design of a CubeSat [3]. Due to weight limitations, it is extremely difficult to store enough energy to allow the CubeSat to operate in space for extended periods of time, often years [7]. CubeSats can utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar panels acting as a perpetual power source to ensure the device always has energy to power its electronic systems [8]. The level of control required depends on the application; however, it is difficult and expensive to utilize the energy stored in the battery to give the cube directional control. Even when this is achieved, the level of control is often very low [4].