Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Infrastructure for a 1U CubeSat

Abstract

CubeSat nanosatellites use a standardized chassis format to permit low-cost space missions through the use of components and launch systems that are more commonly available to small projects. However, many CubeSat missions are still quite expensive due to the use of costly "space-rated" components. This senior design project focused on the development of a lower cost (sub-$5,000) CubeSat through the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and 3-D printing. The design team successfully implemented a variety of COTS parts (including a Teensy 3.2 micromodem, Yaesu HAM radio handset, and more) in addition to several significant 3-D printed internal components to develop a functional proof-of-concept prototype by the conclusion of the project cycle. As part of this process, the cost-reduction goals were met. At UA Senior Design Day 2016, the final prototype was able to operate on battery power to gather orientation, acceleration, and temperature data from its internal sensor, process that data, and communicate it through the satellite's radio to a nearby ground station, which then displayed the data on a computer monitor. This project was sponsored by Raytheon Missile Systems.