AAE450/490: TracSat DBT Project

3 credits (Fall-Spring)

Course Description:

AAE 450/490 TracSat is a General Atomics (GA) supported Design-Build-Test (DBT) project for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience with CubeSats. Tracsat utilizes a low-friction testbed for CubeSat 2D maneuver testing and demonstration. One of the major focuses of Tracsat is rendezvous proximity operations using laser communications. Students work with physical and electrical hardware associated with CubeSats, a platform that has great interest for both research and industry. As part of the project, students focus on current challenges in Communications and Guidance, Navigation, and Control for CubeSats. Additionally, students work on developing technical documentation in the form of a final report, defend their work in design review, learn experimentation skills, and practice work in a technical team environment.

AAE 450/490 is a 2-semester design project course. The course is offered as AAE 490 in fall semesters and as AAE 450/490 in spring semesters. The AAE 450 capstone design option is offered for eligible students.

By the end of the course, successful students will be able:

1. To demonstrate knowledge in the engineering design process.
2. To utilize knowledge of multiple disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsions, controls, and structures in engineering design.
3. To conduct trade studies comparing multiple concepts and selecting a best concept(s) based upon supporting analyses.
4. To work and solve problems in a team.
5. To effectively communicate by giving oral presentations and writing technical reports.