Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Anthony Todisco Jr., Senior Jaden Caradin, Justin Della, Essence Howard, Andrew Hawks, Alexander Kushto, Colin McCaughey, Javier Narvaez, Franyerson Lopez Ochoa, Diana Tormo
Lead Presenter's Name
Anthony Todisco Jr.
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Francisco Crespo Cutillas
Abstract
The Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (SATLASS) is a Cube Satellite deployer whose development falls under the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an organization focusing on CubeSat technology development. Project SATLASS provides hands-on experience in spacecraft subsystem development, including propulsion design, instrumentation, applied structural analysis, and experimental testing. The current objectives of this research are to map pressure changes throughout a high-pressure feed system, evaluate the pressure and velocity response of nitrogen gas after solenoid valve actuation, and determine the most effective nozzle geometry through direct thrust measurements. A static propulsion test stand was designed and fabricated to house a high-pressure nitrogen feed system composed of high-strength steel piping, with integrated pressure sensors across the flow path, and a solenoid valve for flow control. While a custom data acquisition system was developed around an Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3 to record synchronized sensor data. Lastly, thrust output was measured using a button-style load cell, enabling comparison of force generation between nozzle configurations. All nozzle designs were developed to reach a target flow velocity of 350 m/s at either the nozzle, throat, or exit. Results from this testing campaign will guide the final propulsion configuration selection for Project SATLASS, which is expected to incorporate approximately seven nozzles in the final deployer architecture. The implementation of SATLASS will allow for satellite operations to evolve into a more precise endeavour where LEO can be more easily accessed by CubeSats, through our pioneering design.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Space Vehicles Commons
Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (SATLASS)
The Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (SATLASS) is a Cube Satellite deployer whose development falls under the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an organization focusing on CubeSat technology development. Project SATLASS provides hands-on experience in spacecraft subsystem development, including propulsion design, instrumentation, applied structural analysis, and experimental testing. The current objectives of this research are to map pressure changes throughout a high-pressure feed system, evaluate the pressure and velocity response of nitrogen gas after solenoid valve actuation, and determine the most effective nozzle geometry through direct thrust measurements. A static propulsion test stand was designed and fabricated to house a high-pressure nitrogen feed system composed of high-strength steel piping, with integrated pressure sensors across the flow path, and a solenoid valve for flow control. While a custom data acquisition system was developed around an Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3 to record synchronized sensor data. Lastly, thrust output was measured using a button-style load cell, enabling comparison of force generation between nozzle configurations. All nozzle designs were developed to reach a target flow velocity of 350 m/s at either the nozzle, throat, or exit. Results from this testing campaign will guide the final propulsion configuration selection for Project SATLASS, which is expected to incorporate approximately seven nozzles in the final deployer architecture. The implementation of SATLASS will allow for satellite operations to evolve into a more precise endeavour where LEO can be more easily accessed by CubeSats, through our pioneering design.