Difference between revisions of "MakerSat"

From Makers Local 256
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Added Hardware section)
(Interim Save)
Line 11: Line 11:
  
 
== Status ==
 
== Status ==
 +
* 10/16/2010 - Spacefelix spoke to some guys at [http://www.phreaknic.info/pn14/ PhreakNIC 14] about building a space-capable satellite.  Received recommendations on how to harden against vibration, radiation and thermal extremes.
 
* 7/19/2010 - Bendersgame and Spacefelix discussed some setups for operating a CubeSat.  Bendersgame will also try to contact the [http://www.isro.org/ Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)] for information on the cost of launching cubesats since they have a history doing so.  Bendersgame also made the recommendation that we start this project with the TubeSat option since we can gain design, build and fly experience on the cheap before we try the more expensive CubeSat.
 
* 7/19/2010 - Bendersgame and Spacefelix discussed some setups for operating a CubeSat.  Bendersgame will also try to contact the [http://www.isro.org/ Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)] for information on the cost of launching cubesats since they have a history doing so.  Bendersgame also made the recommendation that we start this project with the TubeSat option since we can gain design, build and fly experience on the cheap before we try the more expensive CubeSat.
 
* 6/2010 - Have gathered information and resources on satellite and launch options and costs (monetary and technical).
 
* 6/2010 - Have gathered information and resources on satellite and launch options and costs (monetary and technical).
Line 23: Line 24:
 
** Biological Payload - Something akin to an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosphere_(science) EcoSphere] or other biological specimens.  Would need a way to remotely observe them.  Potential science project collaboration.
 
** Biological Payload - Something akin to an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosphere_(science) EcoSphere] or other biological specimens.  Would need a way to remotely observe them.  Potential science project collaboration.
 
** Broadcast - Broadcast custom pre-recorded signals over Ham Radio frequencies so anyone can tune in to our flight.
 
** Broadcast - Broadcast custom pre-recorded signals over Ham Radio frequencies so anyone can tune in to our flight.
 +
** Time/Data Capsule - Put up a record of something that a future spacefarer may find and decode to understand our culture.
  
 
== Challenges ==
 
== Challenges ==
 
* Technical
 
* Technical
−
** Space Environment - Cosmic radiation, space debris, temperature extremes between light and shadow.  Shielding, radiation and temperature hardening and thermal control will be important.
+
** Launch Environment - Heating due to supersonic flight through the atmosphere, g-loads of ascent and manuevering, vibration of vehicle.
 +
*** Pot the electronics by encasing them in epoxy, especially the electrical connections.  The thermal protection for the space environment ought to be sufficient to take supersonic flight heating. 
 +
** Space Environment - Cosmic radiation, space debris, temperature extremes between light and shadow (temperature difference of up to 275 degF).  Shielding, radiation and temperature hardening and thermal control will be important.
 +
*** Most vulnerable parts to cosmic radiation would be the microprocessors.  Hardened/milspec versions of chips and parts recommended.  Will be able to take temperature extremes and radiation.  Is it also possible to use a polymer that has a high atomic density for radiation sheilding such as polyethylene. 
 +
** Satellite Attitude Control - Launch vehicle and satellite ascent and flight dynamics could induce undesired motion in the satellite by the time it reaches orbit.  This would make broadcasting a signal difficult.
 +
*** The signal can be circularily polarized and broadcast over two 1/4-wavelength dipole antennas out of phase by 90 degrees so that signal will be broadcast in all directions.  Therefore the satellite is indifferent to tumbling and orientation.
 +
** Broadcasting From Space
 +
***
 
** Space and Weight Limitations - Projects must be lightweight, compact and must consume minimal resources.  Bare-bones parts and architectures a must.
 
** Space and Weight Limitations - Projects must be lightweight, compact and must consume minimal resources.  Bare-bones parts and architectures a must.
−
** Long-Distance Troubleshooting - Once it's up there, you can't fix it.  You must make it robust and allow for remote troubleshooting.
+
** Long-Distance Troubleshooting - Once it's up there, you can't fix it.  You must make it robust and/or allow for remote troubleshooting.
 
* Financial
 
* Financial
 
** High Cost of Spaceflight - Achieving orbit on a 1g planet with an atmosphere is a wonder in of itself given the energy required.  Getting to orbit on a barely-controlled explosion is always expensive.  Therefore, partnerships with people who work with small satellites on the amature level (AMSAT, an amature radio club and a local University CubeSat group) and sponsorships are a must.
 
** High Cost of Spaceflight - Achieving orbit on a 1g planet with an atmosphere is a wonder in of itself given the energy required.  Getting to orbit on a barely-controlled explosion is always expensive.  Therefore, partnerships with people who work with small satellites on the amature level (AMSAT, an amature radio club and a local University CubeSat group) and sponsorships are a must.

Revision as of 21:12, 13 November 2010

Creator:
Spacefelix
Status:
In Planning
Born On:
14:03, 28 July 2010 (CDT)
Last Updated:
21:12, 13 November 2010 (CDT)

Overview

This page is for the MakerSat project. Makers Local 256's spaceflight effort to put a satellite in space.

Calendar

Status

  • 10/16/2010 - Spacefelix spoke to some guys at PhreakNIC 14 about building a space-capable satellite. Received recommendations on how to harden against vibration, radiation and thermal extremes.
  • 7/19/2010 - Bendersgame and Spacefelix discussed some setups for operating a CubeSat. Bendersgame will also try to contact the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for information on the cost of launching cubesats since they have a history doing so. Bendersgame also made the recommendation that we start this project with the TubeSat option since we can gain design, build and fly experience on the cheap before we try the more expensive CubeSat.
  • 6/2010 - Have gathered information and resources on satellite and launch options and costs (monetary and technical).

Concepts

  • Goal - To put a satellite in orbit for a period of time. As of now, the purpose of the satellite is open.
  • Satellite Options:
    • TubeSat - Will be in a decaying LEO (Low Earth Orbit). It will only stay up for a couple of months. But it will only cost $8,000 to buy kit and launch. The best option for us to start out and learn about satellites and spaceflight.
    • CubeSat - Will be in LEO for an indefinite period of time. Cost to build and launch can be up to $50,000. Due to high cost, it would be beneficial to get sponsorships and have other hackerspaces come on board and contribute. We could part out space and mass slots in the satellite for the other spaces to build and integrate their own projects. The option for more capacity, capability and mission duration.
  • Suggested Missions:
    • Real-Time Imaging From Space - Webcast a live real-time video or pictures from the satellite.
    • Biological Payload - Something akin to an EcoSphere or other biological specimens. Would need a way to remotely observe them. Potential science project collaboration.
    • Broadcast - Broadcast custom pre-recorded signals over Ham Radio frequencies so anyone can tune in to our flight.
    • Time/Data Capsule - Put up a record of something that a future spacefarer may find and decode to understand our culture.

Challenges

  • Technical
    • Launch Environment - Heating due to supersonic flight through the atmosphere, g-loads of ascent and manuevering, vibration of vehicle.
      • Pot the electronics by encasing them in epoxy, especially the electrical connections. The thermal protection for the space environment ought to be sufficient to take supersonic flight heating.
    • Space Environment - Cosmic radiation, space debris, temperature extremes between light and shadow (temperature difference of up to 275 degF). Shielding, radiation and temperature hardening and thermal control will be important.
      • Most vulnerable parts to cosmic radiation would be the microprocessors. Hardened/milspec versions of chips and parts recommended. Will be able to take temperature extremes and radiation. Is it also possible to use a polymer that has a high atomic density for radiation sheilding such as polyethylene.
    • Satellite Attitude Control - Launch vehicle and satellite ascent and flight dynamics could induce undesired motion in the satellite by the time it reaches orbit. This would make broadcasting a signal difficult.
      • The signal can be circularily polarized and broadcast over two 1/4-wavelength dipole antennas out of phase by 90 degrees so that signal will be broadcast in all directions. Therefore the satellite is indifferent to tumbling and orientation.
    • Broadcasting From Space
    • Space and Weight Limitations - Projects must be lightweight, compact and must consume minimal resources. Bare-bones parts and architectures a must.
    • Long-Distance Troubleshooting - Once it's up there, you can't fix it. You must make it robust and/or allow for remote troubleshooting.
  • Financial
    • High Cost of Spaceflight - Achieving orbit on a 1g planet with an atmosphere is a wonder in of itself given the energy required. Getting to orbit on a barely-controlled explosion is always expensive. Therefore, partnerships with people who work with small satellites on the amature level (AMSAT, an amature radio club and a local University CubeSat group) and sponsorships are a must.

People

Resources

TubeSat

CubeSat

Hardware

Retrieved from "https://256.makerslocal.org/wiki/index.php?title=MakerSat&oldid=10774"