This project supports the design of a 6U CubeSat utilizing the NASA-designed miniature Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer (mini-INMS) and Gridded Retarding Ion Drift Sensor (GRIDS) to measure the composition of the ionosphere’s F layer. The CubeSat will operate in a semi-Sun-synchronous elliptical orbit with a perigee of 180 km and apogee of 600 km. This report covers the attitude determination and control, telemetry and communications, and the command and data handling subsystems of this mission, in addition to the mission payload. Attitude dynamics modeling was performed using Systems Tool Kit (STK) along with MATLAB’s Simulink software. Attitude control required actuation via magnetorquers and reaction wheels, guided by an on-board computer. Telecommunications analysis was performed using STK.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Tierney, Drake
• Ritter, Christopher
• Gagnon, Jeremy

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Environment
• Learning
• Innovation

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032422-172556
• 53751

Keyword

• ACDS
• Attitude Control
• Command and Data
• Ionosphere
• Telemetry and Communications
• CubeSAT

Advisor

• Demetriou, Michael A.

Year

• 2022

Date created

• 2022-03-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright