One problem inherent with space projects is the length of time from concept through launch and operations.
The aim of this course is to bring each student team (3-4 students) through the complete satellite system development process in one trimester. The aim is to make these small satellites (which we call ‘TupperSats’) as capable as possible and to (i) develop a payload compatible with platform, budget and mass constraints; (ii) launch these satellites by weather balloon, or other suitable launch vehicle; (iii) operate the satellites and telemeter data and (iv) recover the satellite.
Students are introduced to project management, project phases, systems engineering, collaborative tools (e.g. GitHub) and documentation.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course, student should be able to:
• Implement a simplified space system development process, including documentation
• Write code in Python to run the instruments on the satellite and communicate data to the ground station
• Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team and stick to a schedule
• Prototype different instrument concepts
• Assemble, integrate and test the complete satellite
• Launch the satellite using a suitable vehicle (weather balloon…)
• Operate the satellite using a ground station to collect data
• Recover the satellite using portable tracking equipment and analyse data
