CubeSat Kit
February 28th 2021:
This month, the CubeSat Kit team has been tackling pivotal stages in the design and integration process for both CubeSat Kit Version 1 and Version 2. The IPPM for CubeSat Kit Version 1 is functional and is still going through final testing with the full system integration test happening after. An Interface Control Document (ICD) is currently being developed for CubeSat Kit Version 2 in order to study and identify the dependencies and risks associated with integration for every system. This document will be studied by systems engineering to help faciliate integration and make a full functioning CubeSat possible.
February 1st 2021:
CubeSat Kit continues its progress with Version 1 and Version 2. For Version 1, the structure, EPS, and IPPM have been delivered and are being prepared for testing and verification. Version 2 continues its work with the new COMM, ADS, and OBC, and second revisions of the IPPM, EPS, and Backplane. New deadline dates are as follows:
Testing and Verification of CubeSat Kit Version 1 - End of Winter, 2021
Complete Version 2 subsystems - End of Spring, 2021
Complete integration, testing, and verification of CubeSat Kit Version 2 - End of Summer, 2021
November 3rd 2020:
Two versions for the CubeSat Kit have been defined and are being worked on in parallel. CubeSat Kit Version 1 uses its 1U metallic structure made through additive manufacturing, and incorporates a Version 1 Backplane, EPS, and IPPM. The purpose of this version is to test the fundamental functions of the CubeSat kit as it uses solar panels, on-board batteries, and an EPS to power the IPPM which can incorporate a wide range of integrated payloads for testing. CubeSat Kit Version 2 incorporates Version 2 EPS, Backplane, and IPPM plus the following subsystems: COMM, ADS (Attitude Determination System), and OBC (On-Board Computer). The idea is to build up the CubeSat Kit capabilities through versions. Version 1's testing and verification deadline is by the end of Fall 2020. Version 2's deadline is by the end of Summer 2021. Version 3 will be defined in the future.
October 7th 2020:
Students wrapped up summer 2020 with great progress on setting the foundation for the structural and electrical layout of the CubeSat Kit. They have mainly worked on the Electrical Power System (EPS), Integrated Payload Processing Module (IPPM), system board, and structures subsystems; a general meeting schedule for Fall 2020 has been set to continue development and integration progress for the modular CubeSat.
August–September 2020:
The CubeSat Kit project aims at developing an educational platform with modular subsystem components so students can learn more about CubeSat operations and systems. This includes developing the Electrical Power System and Backplane interconnect for the CubeSat Kit prototype and developing the Integrated Payload Processing Module (IPPM). The IPPM acts as the payload subsystem and communicates with the main flight computer to execute commands and share processed payload data. This project is partially supported by the Aerospace Engineering Department and the Office of Research and Development through the Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities Grant Program.