UCI CubeSat

BACKGROUND:

UCI CubeSat is a student-led effort to design, manufacture, and launch a 2U nanosatellite to conduct experiments on a UCI research payload called a variable emissivity device (VED).

These experiments aim to ascertain whether the VED will be viable for use as a cheap, reliable method of thermal management on future spacecraft. UCI's CubeSat, AntSat1, will relay data on performance in various degrees of solar exposure and at varying adjustable emissivity values while in orbit.

OBJECTIVES:

• Ensure that payload requirements and mission objectives from payload stakeholders are met
• Integrate components of various subsystems to collect data, manage power, and communicate with the ground station
• Build and test a functional receiving ground station
• Test the subsystems and CubeSat among operational and launch conditions
• Integrate and successfully launch AntSat1
• Create thorough documentation and a foundation for future UCI orbital projects

SUBSYSTEMS:

Operations: Maintains the team's Linux server (system administration) and internal website (to track equipment and roster information). This subteam is also responsible for the continuous integration and deployment software pipeline.

Structures: Responsible for creating all of the support structures and mechanisms within the satellite and ensuring that all designs comply with space hardware guidelines and best practices. Also responsible for ensuring that all components remain within nominal operation temperatures, accounting for heat conservation and dissipation.

Avionics Hardware and Software: Responsible for the central flight computer and primary interfaces between other subsystems of the satellite. Also responsible for the attitude determination and control system (ADCS), which allows for orientation adjustment of the satellite in orbit to ensure optimal power collection and to comply with payload requirements.

Embedded and Ground Station Communications: Receiving payload data and telemetry from all satellite parts and packaging into a transmittable form. Responsible for handling data uplink and downlink from the satellite and developing the hardware and software to manage data communication within and from the satellite.

Systems: Ensures all component and subsystem interfaces are well-defined and accounted for. Manages subsystem integration and critical project documentation; verifies mission requirements and payload stakeholders are satisfied.

Power: Responsible for power collection and distribution systems such as external solar panels, battery management systems, and batteries. This subteam serves as the interface between the two external payload teams and for developing and integrating test procedures for operation.

CONTACT:

Project Lead: Adrian Osorio (osorioaj@uci.edu)

Advisor: Professor David Copp (dcopp@uci.edu)