StickCube

March 2nd 2021:

This month the StickCube team did further training in control system (deriving controller gains, general control system trade-offs) and relevant software (implementing difference equations into C, the NASA 42 simulation). Additionally, they made further progress with the cad model and had an informal review to be approved to order electrical parts. The order was approved and parts are currently on their way. The following months should see the StickCube team writing assembly and testing procedures and beginning to work on assembling and testing hardware. The software for the control system they will be implementing on the Arduino is also still in development.

November 3rd 2020:

The StickCube team has made progress primarily with improving our simulation and holding trainings. Parts for StickCube have been evaluated and selected using a Simulink model which characterizes how the system responds to external torques. This model allows the team to tweak the system and make major changes before buying or assembling anything costly. The team has held several trainings focusing on introducing major ADCS ideas and concepts paired with the foundational mathematics essential to understanding classical controls theory.

October 7th 2020:

StickCube is an internal lab project that aims to develop a self-stabilizing inverted pendulum using a micro-controller and two reaction wheels. It is designed to serve as a hands-on attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) learning platform, where lab members can practice running simulations, build a physical structure, and implement control algorithms. This is part of CPCL's transition towards having more ADCS capabilities to bring to future flight missions.