Lessons Learned during Preparation and Execution of the Satellite Operations of the E-band Technology Demonstration CubeSat EIVE

The 6U CubeSat Exploratory In-orbit Verification of an E-band Link (EIVE) is the latest satellite of the University of Stuttgart. It was developed together with partners in industry and research since 2019 and was launched on June 12, 2023. EIVE’s main mission objective is the verification of an E-band downlink to Earth and is therefore equipped with a 71-76 GHz payload transmitter. The satellite is operated from the mission control centre at the University of Stuttgart’s Institute of Space Systems (IRS). Operations are largely carried out utilising the S- and E-band Ground Stations (GSs) at the University of Stuttgart and its newly developed Multi-Mission Operations System (MMOS) software. Three additional German Space Agency (DLR) GSs were used during the first two weeks to increase contact times. This paper discusses the EIVE operations during the pre-launch preparation and validation phases. Operational experiences during operator training and the in orbit phases are shared and discussed.