CubeSat 48 Hr. Challenge
CubeSat 48 Hr. Challenge
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In October of 2021, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) sponsored a 48 design challenge. I was a part of a multidisciplinary team of 5 engineers. Our task was to design a method to carry a Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) into space for a 1 year mission. Throughout the weekend, I was able to talk with many industry specialists, mentors from LANL, and professors of practice at Texas A&M. It was a very fulfilling experience that was filled with deadline management, design work, team collaboration, and presentation skills.
Design Requirements
Design Requirements
- Maintains about 4° Kelvin interior temperature in payload section
- Size is 3U CubeSat
- CubeSat has 1.5U available for payload (SQUID)
- Utilize less than 31 Watts of power
- Operational in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for at least 1 year
- Exterior temperatures have to handle between 0°C and 50°C
- Must be feasible enough to have future support for identical CubeSat swarms
Challenge Requirements
Challenge Requirements
- Must be have design and prototype ready within 48hrs of challenge start
- Physical prototype must scale model of final product
- Must Create presentation and video pitch
Execution
Execution
Louver Heat Reflectors Design Concept
Step 1: Brainstorming
Step 1: Brainstorming
- I led the brainstorming section of this project.
- It included reading, understanding, and breaking down the constraints
- Led non-judgmental idea generation session in which my team and I produced close to 25 cooling techniques.
- This is my favorite part of this project because it was all about creativity and exploring every avenue.
Atom being Laser Cooled
Step 2: Research
Step 2: Research
- I interacted with industry experts, Los Alamos National Lab engineers, subject matter experts, and Texas A&M Librarians.
- Researched past failed and successful missions to establish precedence
- Explored creative and far-reaching solutions
- Filled dozens of pages with links, pictures, and other media.
- It was fulfilling to know so much information exists and I had to find relevant knowledge bases.
Graphic created to explain Louver reflectors
Step 3: Decide on Final Design
Step 3: Decide on Final Design
- After 1 day filled with R&D, it was time to decide on a solution
- Multiple approaches were utilized
- Louver system with motor and motor brackets/fixtures
- External Radiators underneath louvers to release heat
- Latent heat source at bottom to release heat constantly
Step 4: CAD and Computer Renderings
Step 4: CAD and Computer Renderings
- I was responsible to create this concept on SolidWorks in a short span of time
- It was challenging to create large assemblies and subassemblies while checking for fit, tolerances, and interference
- Showing the capabilities of the system was the goal for the Render
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