TracSat

This team will build and test various subsystems of nano-satellite and laser communications system.

Advisors:

Description:

TracSat is a General Atomics (GA) supported Design-Build-Test (DBT) project for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience with current work with CubeSats. Students will work with physical and electrical hardware associated with CubeSats, a platform that has great interest for both research and industry. As a part of the project, students will focus on the areas of Laser Communications, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), and Propulsion for CubeSats using a 2D-low friction space analogue. Verifiable test objectives of the course include-

  • Demonstrate translational maneuver of the CubeSat using cold gas thrusters initiated via laser communications
  • Demonstrate uninterrupted broadcasting of the video from the camera installed on the CubeSat via laser communication throughout the entire maneuver duration

Team Video

Team Flyer

Prerequisites:

  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Interest in guidance, navigation, and control.
  • TTL laser modules, photodiodes, FPGA/CPU boards, PID controllers, PCBs, solenoid valves, servos, etc.

Instructor permission required. Please contact team advisor prior to course registration.

 

Meeting Times:

  • Spring 2022: Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00-7:15 pm, ARMS 3098

  • Fall 2022: Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00-7:15 pm, ARMS 3098

 

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