In recent years, CubeSats have emerged as a cost-effective and flexible platform for space missions, enabling universities and small organizations to contribute to space exploration. However, testing and handling procedures for CubeSats often require multiple, and frequently expensive, specialized jigs. This paper presents the design and development of a universal jig tailored for a 3U CubeSat, in collaboration with the MIST (MIniature STudent satellite) project at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. The proposed jig is modular, low-cost, and compliant with the CubeSat Design Specification (CDS), allowing for assembly, testing, transportation, and launch integration without the need for multiple support structures. Material selection, outgassing behavior, magnetic susceptibility, and mechanical stability were key factors guiding the design. The final product offers a versatile and scalable solution for CubeSat handling and could serve as a future standard for CubeSats.
Melander et al. (Wed,) studied this question.