WPI Nanosat-3 Final Report: PANSAT - Powder Metallurgy and Navigation Satellite

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WPI Nanosat-3 Final Report: PANSAT - Powder Metallurgy and Navigation Satellite

F. J. Looft

This document summarizes the activities of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Nanosat-3 (N3) program proposed in response to a broad agency announcement (BAA) by the AFOSR and AIAA (University Nanosat Program, AFOSR BAA 2003-02) . We proposed to have WPI undergraduate and graduate student teams, under the direct guidance of WPI faculty, develop a nanosat to used as a vehicle to investigate: (1) a GPS based navigation and orientation determination system and (2) the use of a powder metallurgy (P/M) component design methods to develop the primary satellite bus structure. Specific program highlights include the successful development of (i) a high quality satellite tracking and communications system, (ii) powder metallurgy components of the satellite bus structure, (iii) the sensor and communications subsystem, (iv) the triple modular redundant processor system, (v) the GPS navigation and orientation system, (vi) a very high reliability and efficient solar cell power system using custom designed switching power supplies, and (vii) the satellite navigation/stability system. Also completed in conjunction with this NS3 program was a detailed MATLAB/Simulink model of the orbital mission. Finally, completed in parallel with the NS3 program but not supported by it was a prototype Picosat that built upon technology developed as part of the NANOSAT 3 program.