We asked our SUTS Electronics team lead for an update regarding what they have been working on during the past few months. The following text is based on their input:
As the SUTS Engineering Model (EM) deadline is approaching, our main focus has been on completing everything required for the EM phase. An Engineering Model is a fully functional version of the satellite hardware used to verify the design, interfaces, and overall functionality before transitioning to the flight model. While it may not yet meet all space-qualification standards, it must accurately represent the final system electrically and functionally.
With the arrival of new trainees, we also redesigned our onboarding approach. We created a new set of tasks that better help newcomers learn the essential skills required to become capable electronics engineers. These tasks include small and relatively simple designs that are beginner-friendly, yet still necessary for the satellite’s development. One such task was the design and assembly of special adapter boards for the flatsat (which is a laid out and disassembled version of the final satellite).
In parallel, we have been working on finalising the EM revisions of our subsystems. The communication systems EM is currently being tested according to the guidelines provided in the creator’s bachelor’s thesis. The electrical power systems EM has been reviewed and is now in the soldering phase. Since the latest revision only introduced minor changes, most of the required testing had already been completed earlier. The command and data handling systems EM printed circuit board has also been completed and is at the final stage of review, meaning it is almost ready to be ordered.
Additionally, we wound our first and second magnetorquer and completed the first revision of the Attitude and Determination Control System (ADCS) actuator board. The magnetorquer is an actuator used by the ADCS to control the satellite’s orientation by interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. This magnetorquer was built to test the first revision of the ADCS actuator board. To validate the design, the magnetorquer was tested using a Helmholtz coil (a setup that generates a uniform magnetic field) to confirm that its measured magnetic moment matches our calculated values.
Although we are working under a tight schedule, every member of the electronics team is giving their best effort to ensure that all EM-level hardware is completed and ready on time.
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