ManitobaSat-1

What’s In a CubeSat?

Learn more about satellite engineering through a deeper look at our model.

Our cubesat, what's it look like?

an UMSATS satellite prototype

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.
an UMSATS satellite prototype, colour coded by section.

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
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.

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.
A diagram of a gnomon capturing the sun's rays using a camera and a reflection.

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
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
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
Ground Station Issue Commands to the Satellite Encode and Decode Communications Receive Satellite Transmissions Satellite Tracking Involve Amateur Radio Operators
Mechanical Structure Protect the Satellite During Launch Secure All Other Subsystems Deploy Deployables Provide Radiation Protection Be a Good Box
Power Generate and Store Power Distribute Power to All Subsystems Monitor Power Usage Different Power Saving Modes Control Start-Up Activities
Thermal Control Provide Cooling to Satellite Components Provide Heating to Satellite Components Thermally Isolate Components

Email any questions or inquiries to info(at)umstarlab(dot)ca