Satellite

Outline:

The primary objective of this team is to work on small-scale projects involving telecommunications. We will obtain an amateur radio license and set up a ground station for communication with low earth orbit satellites. We hope to collaborate with WUSAT to provide a ground station for their upcoming WUSAT-3 satellite and with the rocketry team on their communication system. In the long term we aim to start designing our own CubeSat, which will involve working closely with aerospace agencies such as UKSA and ESA. Sub-teams will focus on software, systems, electrical/hardware, mechanical engineering. 

Aims:

  • Long-term: create a functioning Satellite, which can be controlled and communicated with
  • Short-term: create a ground station that can communicate with the satellites (WUSAT team does not have it)

Timeline:

Phase 1 – Understanding the project and planning

  • Clearly define objectives, requirements, purpose and budget – scope of the project
  • Defining roles within the team
  • Seeking aid from University, WMG, industry, etc

Phase 2 – System design

  • Antenna design – based on communication requirements
  • Receiving and transmitting systems – radiofrequency systems
  • Control system for antenna

Phase 3 – Equipment procurement

  • Acquire as many necessary components as possible – getting support at this point crucial from University or industry crucial!

Phase 4 – Software Development

  • GS software for controlling and monitoring antenna, data transferring, signal processing
  • Software for data managing/processing and storage

Phase 5 – Component integration/assembly and infrastructure

  • Assembling components into one functional unit
  • Finding adequate power sources, site selection, etc

Phase 6 – Testing/Validation

  • Verifying all subsystems within GS work as they should
  • Test the GS in real application