Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Tatyana Ivanova, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Tatyana Ivanova
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Sathya Gangadharan
Abstract
Previous research shows that redirecting sunlight with large orbital mirrors could support warming specific regions of Mars by targeting ice deposits and releasing greenhouse gases. Although the concept has strong theoretical support, deploying and adjusting massive rigid reflectors in orbit remains a major technical challenge. This study aims to investigate the impact of using a swarm of small, adjustable CubeSats equipped with different reflector types on the effectiveness of solar energy redirection for Martian surface heating. Through comparison of multiple designs in controlled conditions, this work addresses whether smaller, flexible systems could offer a practical alternative to traditional large mirrors. This project follows an experimental approach. A detailed trade study evaluated six components: Fresnel concentrators, Scheffler concentrators, parabolic dish concentrators, aluminized PET film, Mylar-aluminum membranes, and Kapton-aluminum membranes. Designs were ranked by absorption and reflectivity, focal precision, ease of assembly, cost, material availability, and fabrication feasibility. A custom metal test frame holds two trays with eight CubeSat simulators. Each unit mounts a reflector on a three-axis gimbal, adjusted by motors and Arduino boards. Data will be collected using thermocouples for heat measurement, with manual alignment. Software simulations will be run together with lab tests to check system behavior and reflector alignment. Initial research shows that all reflectors can focus sunlight effectively, with the Fresnel lens producing the sharpest focal point and highest heat output. The swarm setup keeps the beam stable with manual adjustments, supporting the idea that small adjustable reflectors can match the function of a single large mirror. This project demonstrates a flexible approach to adaptive solar energy redirection using CubeSat swarms. The findings will help identify the most effective solar reflector design, guide improvements to the control system, and support future work on scaling this concept for orbital use.
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
Power and Energy Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons
Experimental Design and Comparative Analysis of CubeSat-Based Reflector Concepts for Future Solar Energy Redirection on Mars
Previous research shows that redirecting sunlight with large orbital mirrors could support warming specific regions of Mars by targeting ice deposits and releasing greenhouse gases. Although the concept has strong theoretical support, deploying and adjusting massive rigid reflectors in orbit remains a major technical challenge. This study aims to investigate the impact of using a swarm of small, adjustable CubeSats equipped with different reflector types on the effectiveness of solar energy redirection for Martian surface heating. Through comparison of multiple designs in controlled conditions, this work addresses whether smaller, flexible systems could offer a practical alternative to traditional large mirrors. This project follows an experimental approach. A detailed trade study evaluated six components: Fresnel concentrators, Scheffler concentrators, parabolic dish concentrators, aluminized PET film, Mylar-aluminum membranes, and Kapton-aluminum membranes. Designs were ranked by absorption and reflectivity, focal precision, ease of assembly, cost, material availability, and fabrication feasibility. A custom metal test frame holds two trays with eight CubeSat simulators. Each unit mounts a reflector on a three-axis gimbal, adjusted by motors and Arduino boards. Data will be collected using thermocouples for heat measurement, with manual alignment. Software simulations will be run together with lab tests to check system behavior and reflector alignment. Initial research shows that all reflectors can focus sunlight effectively, with the Fresnel lens producing the sharpest focal point and highest heat output. The swarm setup keeps the beam stable with manual adjustments, supporting the idea that small adjustable reflectors can match the function of a single large mirror. This project demonstrates a flexible approach to adaptive solar energy redirection using CubeSat swarms. The findings will help identify the most effective solar reflector design, guide improvements to the control system, and support future work on scaling this concept for orbital use.