Our cubesat, what's it look like?
![an UMSATS satellite prototype](images/DeployedSatellite.png)
A 3U CubeSat measures 10 x 10 x 30 centimetres. Our satellite structure is a modular stacking design, with a total of 4 modules that house the different subsystems. All the subsystems work together to support the payload experiments and keep the satellite in the best working condition.
![an UMSATS satellite prototype, just the outside.](images/SatOutside.png)
![an UMSATS satellite prototype, colour coded by section.](images/SatInside.png)
The payload system contains all the experiments we are conducting on the satellite. Obtaining scientific measurements and results is our main mission objective.
Scientific Payload
![a virtual rendering of a satellite payload, the walls are clear so that everything inside the rectangular box is visiable](images/Payload.png)
![a graph showing the House Meteorite Samples, Expose Meteorites to Sunlight, Measure Meteorite Reflectance, House Gnomon Experiment, Photograph Meteorites and Gnomon, Send Data to Storage.](images/PayloadTree.png)
The payload module shown here has a tray that contains various meteorite samples and a gnomon. The experiment involves sending micro-meteorites back into space, and the camera takes pictures to see how they change over time in space. This helps scientists better understand the data from the NASA OSIRIS-Rex mission.
The Gnomon
A Gnomon in the payload works like a sundial. You can measure the sunlight angle by measuring the length of the shadow.
![A diagram of a sundial catching the sun's rays, the shadow is measured.](images/GnomonSundial.png)
![A diagram of a gnomon capturing the sun's rays using a camera and a reflection.](images/GnomonDetails.png)
The meteorite photos must be taken with a sunlight incidence angle of 30 degrees. The experiment here was designed by students from the Interlake School Division.
What are the subsystem’s main functions and responsibilities?
![Attitude Determination & Control
Spacecraft Stabilization
Spacecraft Orientation and Actuation
Orbit Propagation
Collect Attitude Sensor Data
Calculate Sun Vector Angle](images/techCarousel/attitude.png)
![Command & Data Handling
+ Flight Software
Control All Subsystems
Execute Ground Station Commands
Schedule Satellite Tasks
Collect and Store Payload Data
Collect and Store Satellite State Data
Send Stored Data for Transmission
Control Spacecraft Modes of Operation](images/techCarousel/command.png)
![Communications
Receive Commands from Ground Station
Encode and Decode Transmissions
Transmit Payload Data to Ground
Transmit Satellite State Data to Ground
Communicate with On-Board Computer](images/techCarousel/coms.png)
![Ground Station
Issue Commands to the Satellite
Encode and Decode Communications
Receive Satellite Transmissions
Satellite Tracking
Involve Amateur Radio Operators](images/techCarousel/ground.png)
![Mechanical Structure
Protect the Satellite During Launch
Secure All Other Subsystems
Deploy Deployables
Provide Radiation Protection
Be a Good Box](images/techCarousel/mech.png)
![Power
Generate and Store Power
Distribute Power to All Subsystems
Monitor Power Usage
Different Power Saving Modes
Control Start-Up Activities](images/techCarousel/power.png)
![Thermal Control
Provide Cooling to Satellite Components
Provide Heating to Satellite Components
Thermally Isolate Components](images/techCarousel/therm.png)
Email any questions or inquiries to info(at)umstarlab(dot)ca