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  • TupperSats: Thinking Inside the Box for Space Systems Engineering

    Paper number

    IAC-19,E1,4,6,x52909

    Author

    Mr. David Murphy, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Coauthor

    Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Coauthor

    Dr. Deirdre Coffey, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Coauthor

    Dr. Morgan Fraser, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Coauthor

    Dr. Sheila McBreen, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Coauthor

    Prof. Lorraine Hanlon, Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD)

    Year

    2019

    Abstract
    As part of University College Dublin’s MSc in Space Science & Technology curriculum, student teams are required to design, build, launch, operate, and recover a homemade satellite, where the launch vehicle is a stratospheric balloon. The Satellite Subsystems Laboratory module consists of an intensive 1-semester project for which students are awarded 10 ECTS credits.
    
    A TupperSat is defined as any satellite which is built from or contained within a household plastic storage container. For the purposes of the Satellite Subsystem Laboratory, the instructors play the role of customer and launch authority. Students are instructed that their TupperSat must be have a mass no greater than 1kg, must be capable of determining its location, altitude, internal and external temperature and air pressure, and must be capable of broadcasting this information using a communications system that is compatible with TDRSS (TupperSat Data Relay Satellite System). Students must also design and build a scientific payload or novel technology demonstration to fly on their TupperSat. Notable examples include a NDVI earth observation sensor, particle sample return, gamma-ray detector, and air-bag landing system.
    
    The students are provided with a number of standard components which they may use: a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, a 5000 mAH battery, high-altitude-compatible GPS unit, temperature and pressure sensors and a TupperSat Telemetry Thingamabob (T3), a small low-power radio transceiver module developed specifically for the programme based on the LoRa standard. Teams are given a budget of EUR 100 ($\approx$ \$115) to purchase remaining materials and to develop their payload.
    
    The students learn space industry practices by being immersed in a typical development cycle. TupperSat design concepts are pitched by the student teams at a Preliminary Design Review, plans are well developed before a Critical Design Review, and the project must pass a Flight Readiness Review before being granted permission to launch. Good project management is crucial in order to meet deadlines and secure a launch at the end of the semester.
    
    The module has run for 6 years with a total participation of 64 students. As the course has become more popular and student participation increased, the module has adapted and improved allowing for more ambitious and interesting projects which further motivates students. 
    
    The module syllabus and student learning outcomes are presented along with the implementation lessons learned and student feedback.
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,E1,4,6,x52909.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-19,E1,4,6,x52909.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.