Nano-satellites and HARP for Student Learning and Research

• Published in: Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers p. 26.1181.1
• Main Authors: Voss, Hank D, Dailey, Jeff F, Bauson, William A, Chapman, Bill
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Atlanta American Society for Engineering Education-ASEE 14.06.2015
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Balloons; Carbon fibers; Computer simulation; Cubesat; Drag; First principles; High altitude; International Space Station; Learning; Microprocessors; Nanosatellites; New technology; Satellite communications; Satellite design; Small satellites; Software; Software reliability; Space weather; Students; Subsystems; Upper atmosphere
• DOI: 10.18260/p.24518

Nano-satellites and HARP for Student Learning and ResearchUniversity small satellites are now routinely launched into space with the NASA ELaNaprogram, the AFOSR UNP program, and the NSF CubeSat program. As part of these programsundergraduate students have developed several small satellites and many High Altitude ResearchPlatform (HARP) balloon experiments. Over 325 HARP balloons and two satellites have beensuccessfully launched over the past decade. Student outcomes include augmenting ABETobjectives a-k, new ways of enhancing STEM education outreach, undergraduate research andpublications, and internships and jobs. Our 2012-2013 Senior Capstone class helped create thedual-cube nano-satellite, TSAT, with space weather instrumentation. TSAT was launched on aSpace-X rocket from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station (ISS) on April 18, 2014and was released as an autonomous satellite at 325 km altitude. The class structure, pedagogy,assessments, and outcomes indicate the effectiveness of advanced student challenges that inspirebut do require significant support from faculty and staff. A number of student papers, posters,competitions, industry design reviews, and professional documentation are other importantdistinctive.The recent 2013-2015 Capstone class is developing with Air Force funding a new type of 6-cubesatellite to investigate the Extremely-Low-Earth-Orbit (ELEO) region using an aerodynamicnano-satellite design that can probe space weather while demonstrating some new technologies.It will provide an observation platform in the relatively unexplored atmosphere and ionosphere120-300 km region. Technology demonstrations include: unfolding aerodynamic solar arraystructure, a motor retractable carbon fiber boom (3m) with sensors located on booms, a new realtime satellite-to-satellite command/data link using the Globalstar network, a new analog-digitalFPGA microchip sensor processor, and a flight GPS receiver. Aerodynamic ELEO-Sat has ahigh mass/area ratio to significantly increase lifetime in ELEO. Drag is increased at highaltitudes with the quad boom release mechanism. ELEO is ideal for ISS missions at 425 kmusing the Nanoracks deployer. A Test Particle Monte Carlo software program was developedfrom first principles to successfully calculate drag forces and torques in the quasi collisionlessELEO atmosphere.To prepare students for advanced satellite projects the HARP balloon launches serve to introducereal end-to-end flight opportunities to study the upper atmosphere (up to 32 km) and test flightsensors, mechanisms, and bus systems. To help other small universities and colleges toimplement a nano-satellite or HARP program three spinoff companies have been stated over thepast few years for purchasing complete HARP turnkey systems, purchasing express launchservice, or satellite communication and power system products. The ability for students to meetdeadlines, appreciate system integration delays, understand subsystem sensor calibrations,observe software faults, recognize reliability issues, grow from failures, and properly interpretand display real data are some of the HARP benefits. HARP assessment data is presented thatwas funded by an NSF grant.