Fall 2024 HSL Update

What has Husky Satellite Lab been up to?

Hello, Husky Satellite Lab Community!

It’s been a while since our last newsletter update! A lot has happened in the past few years, and now we’re ramping up our operations more than ever. We’ve welcomed new members, made progress on our missions, and, most excitingly, been accepted into an incredible program that will transform our capabilities. With fresh energy and resources, we’re ready to take on new challenges and reach new heights!

General Updates

The big news: we’ve been accepted into the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP)! This prestigious program comes with a LOT of funding (now we’re rich!), which will significantly boost our work on HuskySat-2. With this support, we’re not only advancing our technical goals but also enhancing HSL’s visibility and appeal to potential sponsors.

To support these growing needs, we’re establishing a business subteam soon. This team will handle essential administrative and non-technical tasks, including finances, outreach, public relations, and more. We’re excited to see how this team helps us connect with our community and manage our resources even more effectively.

Subsystem Updates

Below are some updates from specific subsystems. Not all subsystems are listed here, but they’re all still busy doing great work so be on the lookout for their updates in the future!

Propulsion

The propulsion team has designed a cold-gas propulsion system that can fit within a 1.5U CubeSat, validated through orbital simulations in GMAT to establish an optimized orbit plan for HuskySat-3 and define the system’s required capabilities. Although a physical prototype hasn’t been built yet, the team is focused on advancing the design to meet mission objectives, especially by addressing thermal regulation challenges.

Current efforts involve developing a thermal management system for the tank, implementing resistojets in the nozzle, optimizing fuel storage, and exploring alternative propellants like refrigerants. The team plans to conduct feasibility assessments through detailed requirements calculations (power, space, etc.) to confirm if these upgrades are achievable. If viable, they’ll move toward prototyping, testing, and data analysis to set the foundation for next quarter’s goals.

Magnetorquers

In 2023, Marcin Anforowicz created a video showcasing a prototype magnetorquer, with additional optimization code available on GitHub. The team made progress with Marc Alwan and Hayden Gosch building an electric coil winder to aid in magnetorquer manufacturing. However, without a current lead and limited time, work on magnetorquers has stalled. The team’s primary goal is to find a new lead to resume and further develop this subsystem.

Magnetorquer Prototype Video:

Optimization code link: https://github.com/manforowicz/magnetorquer-calc

Communications

Nick Gutierrez, a lead engineer at Apex Space, generously donated two Endurosat S-Band radios and a Nuand BladeRF Micro A4 to the Husky Satellite Lab, a contribution worth over $28,000. In addition to this hardware support, Nick has also offered monthly mentorship to the communications team, which is an invaluable resource for their development.

The team is currently setting up these new radios, ordering a PyCubed system, and completing assembly of an adapted OpenLST radio. Leadership has also shifted, with Evan Gubarev taking over from Marcin Anforowicz as the new communications lead, bringing enthusiasm and a background in radio tech. The team’s goal now is to get a radio fully operational to enhance HuskySat-2’s communications capabilities.

Power Distribution

The Power Distribution Team recently designed its first battery charger prototype PCB. Currently, the team is focused on optimizing the power budget, testing the battery charger PCB, and developing a prototype for the Power Distribution System (PDS). The next key goal is to complete the PDS prototype.

Flight Computer

The flight computer team has acquired development boards and successfully completed a proof-of-concept for a custom Rust-based flight computer. Currently, they are focused on understanding the data and command requirements of other subsystems to ensure seamless integration. With an entirely new team this year, onboarding is a priority to get everyone up to speed on the technical aspects and mission goals.

Earth Tracker

The Earth Tracker team welcomed new members and introduced the software algorithm for their subsystem called FOUND. Each member chose a specific project that contributes to the overall algorithm to ensure active participation. They’re now developing a detailed timeline for the quarter and year, aiming to finalize the planning of all necessary algorithms this quarter. Additionally, the team is organizing a structured schedule and task map for each project to streamline workflow and achieve targeted milestones.

Star Tracker

Recently, the Star Tracker Team celebrated the acceptance of our second research paper, SIFTER: Star Identification from Transformer-Encoded Representations, at the Small Satellite Conference, where we placed 3rd in the Frank J. Redd Student Competition. We’re also excited that as of August 15, our software is officially in space, with OreSat-0.5 CubeSat relying on LOST for its ADCS after being transported to LEO. Meanwhile, we are actively onboarding new members eager to contribute to the development of our Star Tracking software. The process includes reviewing research papers, discussing findings, exploring the LOST repository, and starting introductory projects. Looking ahead, we plan to enhance LOST by creating a user-friendly web application for testing, improving the star image generator, and adding new star identification algorithms to strengthen the library’s capabilities.

Solar Panels

The Solar Panel team is currently onboarding new members to get them familiar with the subsystem, while wrapping up the second prototype and beginning design work on the third. Key improvements for the next iteration include a new burn wire mechanism, updated PCB design, and a revised hinge. They’re also helping members become comfortable with the software tools used in the project, with the goal of completing all design updates for the third prototype soon.

Reaction Wheels

The Reaction Wheels team has assembled their first full prototype and successfully tested motor capabilities using a flywheel. Currently, they’re onboarding new members and solidifying the team structure for upcoming quarters. Their next objective is to test the control code on the prototype system to evaluate its performance and refine control capabilities.

PHAT-3

Yehoshua Luna and Oliver Cordon Lohrentz are working to build a stand that will securely hold a helium tank in a UCAR pickup truck for transportation to PHAT-3’s launch site in Eastern Washington.

PHAT-3, HSL’s second high-altitude balloon following PHAT-1, will carry a CubeSat-like payload. Once launched, the balloon will be tracked via GPS as it ascends. Eventually, the balloon will expand due to low atmospheric pressure until it bursts, at which point a parachute will automatically deploy to guide the payload to a safe landing within a designated area, where it can be retrieved. Note: These pictures are of the old PHAT-1, not PHAT-3.

Thanks for reading!

As you can see, there’s a lot happening at HSL, and we’re more energized than ever to bring these projects to life over the next two years. With UNP funding and our new members, we’re in an excellent position to make substantial progress on HuskySat-2 and beyond.

If you are interested in providing assistance to help us complete our missions, please fill out the interest form.

If you’re a student looking to join us on this awesome mission, please fill out our member application.

Thanks for following along, and stay tuned for more updates!