CubeSat Deorbit DeviceStatus Update

MAE 435Fall 2013

Introduction

Space debris are a serious hazard to continued Space exploration

Dead CubeSats are hard to track

De-Orbit Device Project aimed at Prototype for 1U CubeSats

Overview

De-orbit Device Project is multidepartment effort between the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Departments

MAE 435 Group’s goal to build the physical prototype

Team Gantt Chart

Inflatable

Materials

The new polyester film has been received.

The valves and sealer have arrived.

Construction of the inflatable has started.

Questions/Concerns from advisor.

What is your overpressure?  (If you inflate the bag with benzoic acid vapor, your overpressure will be extremely small, but you won’t have the gravity problems).

Do the wrinkles move about during inflation or does the pattern persist?  (Is there a way to predict the size and location of the wrinkles?)

Most importantly.  You have the deflated dimensions of your “pillow” (that is your baseline cross sectional area—a key element in predicting the aerodynamic drag).  Can you measure the actual cross sectional area of the inflated pillow and can you measure it as a function of inflation pressure?

Heating Element

Our team had developed a prototype heating element consisting of electric wire and powered by 4 AA batteries.

We are looking at alternative heating sources due to size and power constraints.

An E-cigarette is a viable option.

Deconstructed E-Cigarette

A = LED Light Cover B = Battery C = Atomizer (heating element) D = Cartridge

Design Concerns

Much smaller than original prototype

Can reach higher temperatures

Integrating deconstructing E-cigarette into CubeSat for remote activation

Connecting E-cigarette cartridge to the inflatable balloon.

Chamber

Small Defect

Test 1

Test Failure

Future Testing

Place the gasket on top of the membrane

Have the sharp edges rounded out

Questions?

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Thank you!