Embedded Files
The Aurora College CubeSat Team works closely with the Inuvik Robotics & Engineering Club (IREC) to contribute to STEM learning opportunities across the NWT. This page contains some resources created from the project.
Curious about the satellite? - We'd love to hear your questions! cubesat@nwtresearch.com
Parts of the Payload
Parts of the Payload
The Northern Images Mission Payload is made of many parts! Let's have a look at the main ones!
Render
Render
This render shows the four main parts of the NIM Payload! The screen, the boom, the main board, and the camera. Each part plays a critical role in completing the mission.
Two Copies
Two Copies
It's always good to have a spare! This is especially true when it comes to space craft! Not only does the second copy act as a backup in case the flight version is damaged, but it also plays an important role on the ground. The copy will be used for testing throughout the whole satellite mission.
Making a Satellite Payload
Making a Satellite Payload
Putting Small Parts Together
Putting Small Parts Together
The satellite is made of many small components. The Northern Images Mission payload has more that 100 individual electronic components even though it only weighs 140 grams! All of these small components are assembled by hand, usually with the help of a microscope. In this video, a small resistor is assembled onto a printed circuit board (PCB) using the same equipment used for the assembly of the Northern Images Mission payload.
Protecting the Screen
Protecting the Screen
The Northern Image Mission payload uses a small OLED screen to display the artwork while in orbit. This screen is similar to what you might find on a smart watch or old cell phone. Since the screen is made of glass, there is a risk that it might shatter during the rocket launch. To protect the screen, it is enclosed in a special glue through a process called potting. This ensures the screen will not move and dramatically reduces the chance of anything breaking. This video shows a practice run of the potting process. Although the parts shown will not end up in space, great care is taken to make sure the process of assembly is well rehearsed!
The Vacuum of Space
The Vacuum of Space
Just as your ears pop to equalize the air pressure when flying in an airplane, the Northern Images Mission payload has to be ready to go into space and deal with the very low pressure it will experience there. To do this, every sealed volume needs to be vented. Our ears deal with this by having tiny holes that can let air in and out. The satellite is the same way! In this video, the drilling of small holes into the lens of the camera is discussed. The holes need to be a certain size in order to let the air travel freely and not build up pressure. A lot of the math discussed in this video is done to make sure of this.
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