Loading...

Satellite Development Organization

The mission of the Satellite Development Organization (SatDev) is to engage in research and development of satellite technology and to prepare students for a career in the space industry. I have been involved since my freshman year as a member working for a variety of sub-teams. Sophomore year I developed and taught a university credited course teaching new members. This page will cover the general task managed; the specific accomplishments achieved; and information on the groups present and future missions.

My Tasks

Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is the analysis of infrared light interacting with material. Using a FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrometer, the emissivity and absorptivity for "in-house" manufactured materials can be found. These test allow for a more qualitative selection process for satellite materials and more accurate thermal simulations. The following are my contributions to these test.

  • Conducted emissivity test on carbon fiber used for solar panels and black anodized aluminum 6061.
  • Created a data acquisition software for pyrometry interferometry procedures using LabVIEW. These test improved test accuracy by 60% and decreased test duration by five hours.
Thermal Simulations
A thermal analysis of a craft is critical to any design considerations. Using the "NX Thermal Space Systems" software, the satellite was tested under various loads and settings in order to analyze the effects of a space environment on the satellite. Simulations took in a number of in-space factors. Orbit data was extracted from STK simulations to provide cyclic heat loads caused by the sun at the particular orbit destined for the craft. Electronic chip power readings were used to get an accurate idea on the heating of the crafts on-board computer systems. Material and thermo-optical properties was gathered and experimentally collected to provide accurate radiation calculations.

Performing thermal simulations are my specialty in the SatDev community and my main task. The process of setting up a thermal simulation is also a concept taught in my class "AE199 - Intro to Satellite Development."

Attitude Determination and Control

In my year with the SatDev ADCS team, I worked on calibration test and software set-up for the Helmholtz cage. The Helmholtz cage was designed, built, and tested to provide a dynamic, 3-axis, uniform magnetic field that would cancel the Earth’s magnetic field and create an environment similar to the geomagnetic field a satellite would experience on-orbit. This allowed for extensive testing of the satellites' magnetometer and magnetorquer used for ADCS in-flight.

Satellite Assembly

With my dedication and time commitment spent with SatDev, I was able to experience clean-room assembly for LAICE and CubeSail. I assisted in the complete assembly of our LAICE satellite the night before a critical meeting with NanoRacks and later during reassembly before delivery.


The Missions


AE199 - Introduction to Satellite Development

In my time as Director of Member Enrichment, I developed and organized the creation of the university credited course AE100 SAT. The course teaches students the fundamental skills and softwares necessary for working in the lab. I created the lesson plan, course material and taught the course. After the first semester, 5 of my 16 students went off to becoming dominant figures in the SatDev community and all had positive reviews.

This experience had a significant impact on my organization and communication skills.



ICES Lecturer Semester Review

Full Report