• Alexey Shashurin

• Alina Alexeenko

Description:

The FLaC-Sat (FEMTA-enhanced Laser Communications Satellite) mission, funded by the AFRL’s University Nanosatellite Program, comprises of two research areas integrated into one Cubesat profile: Laser Communications and FEMTA Micropropulsion. Due to the AFRL’s impact on the project, both areas provide high military relevance, including the secure and fast data transmission of laser communication, and the precise, tunable thrust levels and low power consumption of FEMTA Micropropulsion. Throughout the semester, students will work on teams to conduct research in designing a free-space collimated laser for orbit, developing a 6DoF FEMTA Micropropulsion system, and furthering the mission’s design, including satellite design, attitude determination and control systems, guidance and navigation systems, software, power, and more. Students will also gain real-world experience in designing all systems of a CubeSat, conducting research in the aerodynamics, controls, and propulsion fields, and working on a multi-discipline team with a potential launch-opportunity in the near future.

Visit the project website. 

Download the Team Flyer

Prerequisites:

• U.S. citizenship required
• Instructor permission required. Please contact team advisors prior to course registration
• Helpful. although not required, knowledge includes: systems engineering, satellite design, propulsion, micropropulsion, laster communications, attitude determination and control systems, guidance and navigation systems, software development and engineering, electrical and/or computer engineering, power consumption/distribution/generation, thermal and structural simulation experience, optical hardware (fiber and collimators), command and data handling, and experience working in team and presenting technical data

Meeting Times:

• Fall 2022: Tuesday & Thursday @ 3:30-4:20 pm, ARMS 3089