Embedded Files
Since the standard CubeSat size is 100x100x100mm it is possible to easily build a 1:1 exact size model. The CubeSat prototype docking face is designed exactly as the real satellite would be including the event camera, blue LOS LED, and the two alignment LEDs.
Satellite Concept
The electronic design utilises the GPIO (general purpose input output) channels provided by the PI main board. The coloured ribbon cable in the photo breaks these signals away from the PI to a header module to control the three LED channels.
Due to it's low cost and speed of development, Raspberry PI from RS Components was chosen as the computer platform. The prototype cube was built using 100x100x100mm prototyping boards.
The camera used is the miniature Raspberry PI camera module. This is the camera used for simulating the capture of space events.
The telemetry system operates over an ad hoc, peer to peer wireless ethernet network. This is provided by a usb 802.11n module.
Prototype Limitations
For cost reasons it was not possible to include the propulsion, fuel and attitude adjustment into the prototype. The propulsion and attitude control system remain notional. Also while the PI makes a good prototyping platform but the actual electronics of the satellite would be much more more efficient on both functionality and space.
References
1. Standard CubeSat specification - http://www.cubesat.org/index.php/documents/developers
2. Rapsberry PI - http://www.raspberrypi.org
3. RS Components - http://uk.rs-online.com/web/
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