CubeSat

X-Band for Small Satellite Communication

As space operations become more accessible to small players, many are looking to the possibility of lunar and deep space projects. In these cases, the distance that must be bridged by communications is enormously greater than in Low Earth Orbit, so more advanced radio technology is necessary to provide adequate bandwidth at such distance. The objective of this project was to develop a complete X-band transceiver design (building on the work done during SURP 2020) to support future deep space CubeSat missions out of Cal Poly and beyond.

Next Gen Avionics

The Next Gen Avionics SURP focused on getting System Board II, Cal Poly CubeSat Lab’s next generation avionics board, up to speed. The topics focused on during this project were systems engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.

Thermal System Design for Interplanetary Small Satellite Deployer

CubeSats have become popular in academia and the aerospace industry for educational, technology demonstration, and scientific missions. Cal Poly CubeSat Laboratory is working to expand this with the creation of the Interplanetary Spacecraft Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or ISP-POD. This deployer functions as a carrier, supporting CubeSats on their interplanetary journeys and deploying them into space when the time comes. With these tasks, comes the challenge of managing the extremes of the interplanetary thermal environment. We endeavored to research and understand the thermal environment and its effect to enable the design of a thermal system capable of protecting the ISP-POD and its CubeSat payloads.

Developing an Advanced Electrical Power System for CubeSats

The Electrical Power System (EPS) board will be used on the satellite called PowerSat which is being developed in conjunction with Deployables Cubed GmbH. The development board designed during SURP (shown above) will test different solar charging circuitry configurations.

Concept development of a nano-reaction control system for small satellites

Propulsion systems on CubeSats are becoming common. As CubeSats go further than low Earth orbit, reaction control systems are necessary to control the attitude of the spacecraft and perform orbital maneuvers. In collaboration with Cal Poly CubeSat Laboratory, Maverick Space Systems is developing a propulsion system for 6U CubeSats that will use resistojets to flash water propellant to steam. In particular, Danny and Walden were tasked with the development of the avionics that will control the valves and heaters of the system, accepting commands, and relaying telemetry and sensor readings back to the spacecraft’s onboard computer. Through the SURP, the goal was to prepare for the manufacturing of a proof of concept test to be run in October 2020.

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