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Project STATIC � Star Tracker and Testing Interplanetary Concrete

�Integrated Subsystem Testing Review (ISTR)

Arapahoe and Red Rocks Community Colleges 

Alison Antill, Leighanne Bennett, Nicholas Betz, Ruth Ehler, Sebastian Gomez, Kye Jackson, Christian Mack, Antonino Piscitella, Diego Saenz, Mallory Shaloy

3/22/2024

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ISTR Presentation Outline

  • Section 0: Action Item Summary
  • Section 1: Mission Overview
  • Section 2: Systems Overview
  • Section 3: Updates on Subsystem Testing Results
  • Section 4: Integrated Subsystems Test Results
  • Section 5: Plan for FMSR
  • Section 6: Updated Summary Test Plan
  • Section 7: Updated Wallops Test Plan
  • Section 8: Project Management (see notes)
  • Section 9: Conclusions, Next Steps, and Questions
  • Appendix (Not presented)

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Section 0: Action Item Summary

Ruth Ehler

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Action Item Summary

4

  • Provide name, shipping address, and phone number for RockSat hardware delivery – COMPLETED
  • Expand ISTR plan to be more comprehensive and fully address the items requested in the template. Then update your Summary Test Plan. - Slide 58
  • Updated budget to show correct program fee amount – Slide 62
  • Add details on how you will add ballast to your experiment to reach 15 lb (+- 0.5 lbs) – Slide 20
  • Add labels and dimensions to your CAD models – Slides 12-15, 27-29, 34, 38, 47-48
  • Include details on batteries – Slide 29
  • Remove analog line use from User Guide compliance matrix – Slide 24
  • Review RockSat-X pointing plan from the matrix document sent out with manifest letter to confirm pointing requirements. – Slide 19 
  • Update your WFF Test Plan to include at least one test to ensure system is working with rocket power and telemetry systems (does not have to include a sintering sample). Also address if you plan to charge your batteries. - Slide 60
  • Provide more details on the how the regolith chamber is secured. Picture is great but lacks labels and doesn't really describe how it all works. - Slide 28
  • Please upload slides to the drive rather than emailing them - COMPLETED

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Section 1: Mission Overview 

Nicholas Betz, Christian Mack, Antonino Piscitella

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Mission Overview and Statement

  • The STATIC project aims to evaluate how sintering lunar regolith simulant (LRS) in a microgravity environment affects the sintering process. As well as testing the structural integrity and durability of sintered LRS after exposure to a suborbital environment. 

  • The STATIC project also aims to create a cost efficient star tracker for cheaper use on spacecraft in the future. The star tracker will utilize open source software running on a Raspberry Pi, and will use an official Raspberry Pi camera, lens, and filters, mounted on a swivel.

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Primary Mission Overview: Expected Results

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Differences are anticipated between lunar regolith simulants sintered in a microgravity environment and those sintered on Earth. These differences include:

  • Lack of unified sintering
  • Densification rate
  • Grain size distribution
  • Pore formation
  • Overall structural deformation

LRS sintered in an RRCC kiln at 1200 C for 3 minutes

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Secondary Mission Overview: Expected Results

The star tracker will be expected to have accurately comparable data to data of which has been professionally analyzed and proven correct. The team aims to create a faster, more space and cost-efficient star tracker that is comparable to the ones currently in use.

  • Store and Process
  • Small Space Efficiency
  • Quick Image Calculations
  • Accurate Directional Data

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Mission Objectives

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Section 2: Systems Overview 

Leighanne Bennett, Ruth Ehler, Christian Mack, Antonino Piscitella, Mallory Shaloy

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Changes since STR

Completed Action Items

    • Name, shipping address, and phone number for hardware delivery - sent 2/29  
    • Updated FMSR plan - slide 53
    • Updated Summary Test Plan - slide 54
    • Details about adding ballast to reach 15 lb - slide 24 (not reflected on 3D models yet)
    • Labels and dimensions on cad models - 
    • Battery Details - 
    • Analog line use removed from User Guide compliance matrix -  
    • Updated pointing request slide and payload configuration - slide 23
    • Updated WFF Test Plan - slide 55
    • Details secured regolith chamber -  

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Systems Overview (Models)

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Induction Heating Housing

Electrical Housing

Star Tracker Housing

Induction Heating Housing

Design With

Outer Walls

Design Without 

Outer Walls

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Systems Overview: Design Overview

(Unit = Inches)

13

Level 2

Level 1

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Systems Overview: Design Overview (Continued)

**(Unit = Inches)

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Electrical Box

Star Tracker

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Systems Overview: Design Overview (Cont.)

**(Unit  = Inches)

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Regolith Housing

Induction Heater

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Functional Block Diagrams

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Manifest Location

  • Manifest as of Mar 13, 2024

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Timer Event Matrix

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Event

Time On

Dwell

Event Description

GSE 1

-

-

-

GSE 2

T-180 sec

540 sec

3 minutes before launch. Power on the computer for the experiments and begin sensor readings

TE-1

-

-

-

TE-2

T+030 sec

360 sec

Activate the sintering experiment; begin internal timing sequence for star tracker

TE-3

-

-

-

TE-R

-

-

-

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Pointing request confirmation

  • The current pointing request for CCofCo is correct.

  • The star tracker will be facing zenith as described in the pointing request shown on the right.

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Weight Budget

  • Under the weight limit
  • Structural shell will weigh more once subsystem housing is fabricated
  • The team will ballast the payload
    • w/ additional housing materials 
    • w/ fabricated box for personal items

20

Weight Budget

Subsystem

Total Weight (lb)

Star Tracker

1

Computer hardware

0.5

Crucible

0.13

Induction Coil

2.46

Regolith

0.79

Structural shell (0.125 in thickness)

2.67

Experiment deck

3.3

Total Over / Under

10.85

Limit

15 lbs

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Power Budget

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STATIC Project Power Budget

Subsystem

Voltage (V)

Current (A)

Time On (min)

Amp-Hours

Sensors

5

5.36E-05

8.5

7.5933E-06 

Star Tracker

5

0.6

2.5

0.025

Regolith

5

0.16

2

0.006

Control Components

5

3

8.5

0.425

Regolith Battery  Power

  • Power: Two 6S LP Batteries 
    •  22.2 V, 1800Mah

Total (A-hr):

0.456

Over/Under

0.044

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Pin Assignments - Power

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Power Pin

Function

Intended Use

1

GSE 1

Not used by CCofCO

2

Timer Event Redundant (TE-RA)

Not used by CCofCO

3

Timer Event Redundant (TE-RB)

Not used by CCofCO

4

Timer Event 1 (TE-1)

Not used by CCofCO

5

GND

GND

6

GND

GND

7

GND

GND

8

GND

GND

9

GSE 2

Power for main computer, camera and sensors

10

Timer Event 2 (TE-2)

Timing trigger to begin sintering process and timing sequence for star tracker camera

11

Timer Event 3 (TE-3)

Not used by CCofCO

12

GND

GND

13

GND

GND

14

GND

GND

15

GND

GND

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Pin Assignments - Telemetry

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Telemetry

Function

Intended Use

1

Analog 1

Not used

2

Analog 2

Not used

3

Analog 3

Not used

4

Analog 4

Not used

5

Analog 5

Not used

6

Analog 6

Not used

7

Analog 7

Not used

8

Analog 8

Not used

9

Analog 9

Not used

10

Analog 10

Not used

11

Parallel Bit 1 (MSB)

Not used

12

Parallel Bit 2

Not used

13

Parallel Bit 3

Not used

14

Parallel Bit 4

Not used

15

Parallel Bit 5

Not used

16

Parallel Bit 6

Not used

17

N/C

N/C

18

Ground

Ground

19

Ground

Ground

20

Parallel Bit 7

Not used

21

Parallel Bit 8

Not used

22

Parallel Bit 9

Not used

23

Parallel Bit 10

Not used

24

Parallel Bit 11

Not used

25

Parallel Bit 12

Not used

26

Parallel Bit 13

Not used

27

Parallel Bit 14

Not used

28

Parallel Bit 15

Not used

29

Parallel Bit 16 (LSB)

Not used

30

Parallel Read Strobe

Not used

31

N/C

N/C

32

RS-232 Data (TP1)

System status information

33

RS-232 GND (TP2)

Ground

34

N/C

N/C

35

N/C

N/C

36

Ground

Ground

37

Ground

Ground

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User Guide Compliance

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Requirement

Status/Reason (if needed)

Center of gravity in 1" plane of plate?

Yes

Weight 15.0+/- 1.0 

Yes

Max Height < 5.13”

 Half deck < 5.13"

Bottom of deck has flush mount hardware?

Yes

Within Keep-Out Zone

Yes

Using < 10 A/D Lines

 Not Using

Using/Understand Parallel Line

Not Using

Using/Understand Asynchronous Line

Yes

Using X GSE Line(s)

Yes, GSE 2

Using X Non-Redundant PWR Lines (TE-1, TE-2, TE-3)

Yes, TE-2

Using X Redundant Power Lines (TE-R)

No

Using < 1 Ah

Yes

Using <= 28 V

Yes

Using RF (If yes, list frequency and TX Power)

No

Using deployable?

No

Whole team consists of US Persons

Yes

Using ITAR and/or Export Controlled hardware

No

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Special Requests Summary 

  • Charge the batteries before launch
  • Procedure for full mission integration (without regolith subsystem)

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Section 3: Updates on Subsystem Testing Results

Nicholas Betz, Ruth Ehler, Sebastian Gomez, Kye Jackson, Christian Mack, Mallory Shaloy

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Regolith – Induction Heating Subsystem

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Subsystem contains:

  • Induction heating unit
  • Copper coils
  • Graphite crucible

Graphite crucible

Induction heating unit

Copper coils

Copper coils

Graphite Crucible

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Regolith – Secured Regolith Chamber

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Alumina Screws

Ceramic Fiber Blanket

Ceramic Fiber Board

Ceramic Fiber Board

Graphite Crucible

Copper coils

Subsystem contains:

  • Aluminum housing
  • Copper coils
  • Graphite crucible
  • Alumina screws
  • Ceramic fiber blanket

- Temp range 1260 C

        • Ceramic fiber board

- Temp range 1450 C

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Regolith - Power

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Subsystem contains:

  • Two 6S Lipo Battery 1800Mah 25C 22.2V in series for 44.4V

  • XT60 XT60H female connector plug with 12AWG 10cm silicone wire.

  • 12AWG wire

  • 35-amp fuse

Battery housing

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Regolith

Completed Testing: Date:

  • Kiln sintering test – Complete 3/16/2024
  • Dry run test – Complete 3/18/2024
  • Insulation test – Complete 3/18/2024
  • Induction sintering test – Complete 3/19/2024
  • Solid state relay switch test – Complete 3/19/2024

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Regolith –  Completed Testing 

  • Kiln sintering test: Successful
    • LRS was put into graphite crucibles and sintered at 1200 C for three minutes.

  • Induction sintering test: Successful
    • LRS was put into a graphite crucible and placed inside the induction coils.
    • 1200 C was achieved in approximately 180 seconds.

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Regolith – Completed Testing (Cont.)

  • Dry run test: Successful
    • Induction sintering without water flowing through copper tubing.
  • Insulation test: Successful
    • Crucible was wrapped in ceramic fiber blanket.
    • The outer coil got to 350 C.
    • No damage to blanket.
  • Solid state switch test: Unsuccessful
    • Used to inhibit power to sintering experiment during ground testing.
    • The current model did not perform. A new one has been ordered.

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Undamaged ceramic blanket

Induction system

Solid state relay switch

Graphite crucible

Batteries

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Regolith

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Star Tracker

  • Power Consumption 5v, Volume: 12.68 cubic inches, Weight: 1.15 lbs
  • This unit will only interface with the raspberry pi of the electrical subsystem.
  • This subsystem design is FINAL. 

34

Pi Camera

Housing

Camera Mount

Servo Motor

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Star Tracker

Completed Tests:

  • Test program to move the servo and take pictures.
  • Test images using the specified camera and lens.
  • Mechanical 3d printed prototypes for dimensional testing.
  • Test images being run through the LOST software.
  • Testing of power consumption.
  • Lens Capabilities
  • Low Light Environments
  • Lens Glare / Focus and Accuracy

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Star Tracker

  • Testing Results
    • Camera lens ability in low light environments.

    • Servo and partial structure test (both the servo and camera mounts strength).

    • Multiple trial runs of LOST software system with test images, and raspberry pi camera generated images.

    • Successful glare and lens capability testing.

  • Software is up and running on raspberry pi and will successfully read and interpret images taken by the team's camera setup.
  • Testing has led to complete understanding of subsystem and almost finalized.

36

RasPi 

Camera 

Images:

Software 

Test:

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Star Tracker

Remaining Testing:

  • Test window durability and clarity for protected viewing.
  • Integration of both the Programming and Star Tracker subsystems.
  • Ensure structural build of the star tracker enclosure is complete.

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Date:

3/29/2024

4/05/2024

4/12/2024

Main Housing

Lid Housing

Clear Window

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Electrical

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Solid State Switch

LM2596 Voltage Regulators

Zero2Go Omini

Raspberry Pi 4B

Power - 0.428 Ah

Data -  RS-232

Volume – 10.35in x 7.18in x 2.25in; A: 55.76in^2

Weight – 0.5lbs

Will interface with GSE and TE electrical systems at Wallops

Will interface with other on-board systems via thermally resistant wiring where possible

Will interface with star tracker camera via data cable

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Electrical – Hardware

39

LM2596

TMP36

Metal Keylock Switch

Atmospheric Sensor

Raspberry Pi 4B

Zero2Go Omini

Solid State Relay

Analog to Digital Converter

RS-232 Breakout

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Electrical – Quick Status

Completed Testing: Date:

  • Sensor wiring test – Complete 2/19/2024
  • Keylock switch wiring test – Complete 3/13/2024
  • Sensor measurement test – Complete 3/18/2024
  • Solid state switch wiring test – Complete 3/19/2024
  • Voltage regulator wiring test – Complete 3/19/2024
  • Raspberry Pi power test – Complete 3/19/2024

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Electrical – Completed Testing

  • Sensor wiring and measurement tests
    • The sensors were wired to the Raspberry Pi computer and initial measurements were taken to test and calibrate the sensors. Successful tests.
  • Metal keylock switch wiring test
    • The metal keylock switch was wired and tested to ensure no power flowed through the circuit while the switch was off. Successful test.
  • Voltage regulator wiring test
    • The voltage regulators were wired to a 28V power source and calibrated to output the required 5V. Successful test.

41

Sensor wiring and measurement tests

Voltage regulator wiring test

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Electrical – Completed Testing (Cont.)

  • Raspberry Pi power test
    • During this test, the Raspberry Pi was wired to the voltage regulator, which was then wired to a 28V power source and powered on. Successful test.
  • Solid state switch wiring test
    • During this test, the solid-state switch was wired to test functionality. Failed test.

42

Raspberry Pi powered by 28V power source

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Electrical

Remaining Tests: Date:

  • RS232 wiring test 3/29/2024
  • Solid state switch regolith activation 3/29/2024
  • Full power systems test 4/05/2024

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Programming – Quick Status

Completed Testing: Date:

  • Star Tracker software timing test – Complete 2/16/2024​
  • Sensor package test – Complete 3/20/2024
  • Servo motor control test – In progress
  • Star Tracker camera test – In progress

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Programming

Completed Testing

  • Star Tracker software timing test
    • During this test, several simulations of full in-flight calculations were run with accurate test images. Successful test
  • Sensor package test
    • This test activated the sensors at power on of the Raspberry Pi. It also recorded the sensor data into a csv file for future use. Successful test.
  • Servo Motor and camera control test
    • The servo motor and camera have been controlled using identical Raspberry Pi hardware, however it has not been tested with current hardware. Successful test.

45

Sensor test readouts

Test data recorded into csv file

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Programming

Remaining Tests: Date:

  • Star Tracker full integration test 03/29/2024
  • Timer event activation test 04/05/2024
  • Full mission test 04/12/2024

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Mechanical

  • 2.6 Lbs, no electrical components
  • Wires run through housing and connect to plate & Wallops equipment 
  • Houses all subsystems
  • 1/8" 2024-T3 aluminum from McMaster-Carr
  • Physical proof of concept will be built, design not finalized until completed.

47

Aluminum sheet

Induction coil

Programming

Star Tracker

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Mechanical

  • Delay in part ordering
    • Assembly has not been started

  • Future testing includes:
    • Stress tests
      • Durability (drop test)
      • Vacuum chamber
      • Heat resistance

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10%

Star Tracker

Induction Coil

Programming

Induction Heater

Enclosed Walls

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Mechanical

  • Convert solidworks models to STL files to be CNC machined
  • Assembly will be completed by 4/5

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Section 4: Integrated Subsystems Test Results

Leighanne Bennett

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Integrated Subsystems Test

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Regolith and Electrical subsystems

This test will verify that the regolith system is properly inhibited and activated by the electrical systems

Initial testing was completed on 03/18/2024. Future testing will be completed by 03/29/2024

Additional tests include testing of new solid-state switch as well as activation sequence with Raspberry Pi, further testing of inhibition switch and full flight simulation.

52

50%

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Electrical and Programming subsystems

This will verify that the voltage regulators bring down the 28V supplied by the rocket to the 5V required by the Ras pi to function. 

Initial testing was completed on 03/19/2024

Additional tests will add subsystems into this configuration to verify functionality and full flight simulation.

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Programming/Electrical and Star Tracker

This testing will verify that the star tracker is correctly powered and controlled by the main computer.

Initial testing was completed 2/16/2024. Future testing will be completed by 04/05/2024.

Additional tests include timer activation of star tracker and full star tracker flight simulation.

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Mechanical, Star Tracker, and Regolith

This test will verify that the experimental systems integrate into the payload structure and can withstand the pressures of flight on the rocket.

Testing will be completed by 04/19/2024.

Additional tests include physical integration of components and vibration.

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All subsystems

This test will verify all subsystems work together as they are intended to.

Testing complete by 04/19/2024

Additional tests include a full flight simulation with all subsystems integrated

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Section 5: Plan for FMSR

Ruth Ehler

57

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Section 6: Updated Summary Test Plan

Ruth Ehler

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Section 7: Updated Wallops Test Plan

Mallory Shaloy

61

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Wallops Test Plan

Pre-Integration

  • To demonstrate the safety of the regolith sintering experiment, the power systems will need to be tested prior to integration as the structure of our payload prevents the loading of the regolith and crucible once the payload is integrated into the rocket.
    1. The Raspberry Pi will be powered on
    2. A voltage will be applied to our control pins on the Raspberry Pi to activate the regolith system circuit
    3. The experiment will be powered off after demonstration
    4. The metal key lock inhibition switch will be turned to the off position to inhibit the regolith experiment
    5. The regolith in a graphite crucible will be added to the payload
    6. The payload will be sealed

Integration

  1. Double check inhibition of regolith system with metal key lock switch
  2. System Power/Timing - Ensure all subsystems are receiving power, transmitting data, and have the correct timing sequence

Post-Integration

  1. Access exterior of payload to turn the key lock inhibition switch to on position to allow experiment to run during flight

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Section 8: Project Management 

Leighanne Bennett

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Budget

  • Since the STR, the following items have been ordered: 
    • Induction Heating Coil
    • 20mm graphite crucibles
    • 40mm graphite crucibles

  • The following items still need to be ordered: 
    • Window for star tracker

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Classification

Schools

Actual

ACC

RRCC

Combined

Travel

$5,000.00 

 $5,000.00 

 $10,000.00 

Materials

$1,508.54 

 $616.07

 $2,070.66

Flight Fee/  Shipping

$7,500.00 

 $7,500.00 

 $15,000.00 

Total Spent

$14,008.54 

 $13,116.07 

 $27,070.00 

Total Remaining

$491.46

$1,383.93

$1,875.39

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Purchase List

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Final Total=

$2,070.66 

Product Name

Cost

Purchase Date

Delivered?

2024 T3 Aluminum Sheet 24" x 48", 1/8" thickness 

$383.96 

1/25/2024

Y

Ceramic Fiber Insulation: Aluminum Silicate, 5 ft Lg, 4 ft W, 1/2 in Thick, 10 lb Wt, 0.75 R-Value

$53.95 

2/8/2024

Y

Adafruit DC & Stepper Motor HAT for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

$21.78 

2/9/2024

Y

Uxcell a11112200ux0536 Electric 2 Positions ON Off Metal Keylock Switch w Keys 

$5.99 

2/9/2024

Y

Blind Rivet,1 9/40 in L,1/8 in dia,PK100: Inch, 1 7/32 in Overall Lg, 1/8 in Body Lg, Dome, 100 PK

$6.56 

2/8/2024

Y

MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOLS CORP 2550-22 M12 Rivet Tool Kit (2550-22) 

$327.95 

2/9/2024

Y

Lipo Charger H B6 RC Charger

$37.97 

2/9/2024

Y

Zero2Go Omini: Wide Input Range, Multi-Channel Power Supply for Raspberry Pi

$19.95 

3/12/2024

Y

Induction heating coil

$85.64 

3/19/2024

N

20mm by 20mm graphite crucibles

$20.98 

3/19/2024

N

40mm Graphite Crucibles

$9.50 

3/19/2024

N

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - 4 GB RAM

3/20/2024

N

RS232 MAX3232 to TTL Serial Port Converter Module DB9 Connector MAX232

$14.01 

3/20/2024

N

Product Name

Cost

Purchase Date

Delivered

Induction heating coil

$50.27 

10/31/2023

Y

SparkFun Atmospheric Sensor Breakout - BME280

$39.52 

10/31/2023

Y

Temperature Sensor - TMP36

$11.63 

10/31/2023

Y

Graphite Crucible

$35.72 

11/7/2023

Y

Alumina Discs

$72.18 

11/14/2023

Y

Raspberry PI 4Gb 

$110.16 

11/7/2023

Y

Voltage Regulator Converters

10/31/2023

Y

Arducam Lens for Raspberry Pi HQ Camera, Wide Angle CS-Mount Lens, 6mm Focal Length with Manual Focus and Adjustable Aperture

$22.76 

12/12/2023

Y

Witty Pi 4 L3V7 - RTC & Power Management for Raspberry Pi

$27.50 

12/12/2023

Y

MG90S 9G Micro Servo Motor Metal Geared Motor

$7.38 

12/12/2023

Y

20KG Servo Motor Metal Geared Motor

$11.88 

12/12/2023

Y

BXI Ceramic Fiber Thermal Insulation Board

$19.95 

1/3/2024

Y

5.2mm - Sandeply Plywood

$29.88 

1/12/2024

Y

Zuvas Black ABS Plastic Sheet

$19.99 

1/24/2024

Y

Zeee 6S Lipo Battery

$41.98 

1/24/2024

Y

35 Amp Fuse

$4.99 

1/24/2024

Y

M8 Alumina Nut

$82.37 

1/25/2024

Y

M8 x 60mm Alumina Hex Head Bolt

$183.74 

1/25/2024

Y

Fuse holder

$9.99 

1/24/2024

Y

Water Pump

$19.89 

1/24/2024

Y

Heat Shrink Tubing

$6.99 

1/24/2024

Y

YUWYP 6S Lipo Battery 1800Mah 25C 22.2V

$203.98 

1/24/2024

Y

T60 Upgrade Plug Male Female Extension Connector

$13.99 

1/24/2024

Y

Thermocouple Thermometer, RISEPRO 4 Channel K Type Digital Thermometer

$32.90 

1/24/2024

Y

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Estimated Team Size

  • Total of 10 team members (Recently added 2 new members)
  • 2 team members will be funded for integration and launch 
    • One member from each school for integration
    • One member from each school for launch
    • Different team members from each school will be at each event
    • Estimated 6 – 8 additional team members for launch
      • Members will conduct fundraising or pay out of pocket
      • The team plans to have a solidified list by integration

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Section 9: Conclusions, Next Steps, and Questions

Ruth Ehler

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Worries and Potential Failure Points

Regolith

  • Thermal insulation
  • Solid state switch

Star Tracker

  • Thermal insulation

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Next Steps Before the FMSR

  • Structural assembly and subsystem housing assembly
  • Subsystem testing including payload stress tests
  • Integrating all subsystems together

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Conclusions

Regolith

  • The ability to sinter lunar regolith simulant in a microgravity environment will pose valuable data for humanity. Understanding how this in-situ resource will be affected in these environments during the sintering process gives us vital information for future missions such as the Artemis mission.

Star Tracker

  • Future missions will also require efficient and intelligent navigation. Creating a cost-efficient star tracker for cheaper use on future spacecraft will be vital for navigating our solar system and eventually our galaxy.

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Questions

  • Will we be able to recharge the battery before flight?
  • Will we be able to test our power systems prior to integration on the rocket?

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Appendix

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Appendix – Detailed Schedule

73

Date

Event

Complete? 

N/Y or IP (In progress)

3/8/2024

Begin wiring  �1.) Connect solid state relay to ras pi�2.) Connect solid state relay to keys switch �3.) Connect the regolith experiment to ras pi. �Stress tests (heat, drop test, etc.) �Dry Run test in vacuum chamber.�Test the motor hat and the zero to go raspberry pi�Test all components�Lens Filter Testing Housing Assembly

RRCC

3/15/2024

Subsystem structural integration. �Vibration testing and G force shock testing.�Complete Lens Filter Testing�Subsystem integration testing�Regolith activation sequence testing

RRCC

3/22/2024

ISTR review

ACC

3/29/2024

Subsystem structural housing assembly 

RRCC

3/27/2024

Subsystem integration testing

ACC

3/27/2024

Final payment due

RRCC

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Appendix – Structural Timeline

74

Date

Event

Complete? 

N/Y or IP (In progress)

3/15/2024

STR / Riveting

IP

3/15-3/29

Machining plan�Cut aluminum to housing dimensions with an extra inch on all sides for riveting�Bend the extra inch of aluminum to overlay so we can rivet�Drill holes for rivets�Rivet overlaid aluminum together�Build star tracker housing

IP

3/29/2024

Subsystem structural integration

3/29/2024

Subsytem structural integration �Stress tests (heat, drop test, etc.)

3/22/2024

ISTR Review

Subsystem structural integration testing

IP

4/5/2024

Integration testing

4/5/2024

Full system testing

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Appendix – Programming Timeline

75

Date

Event

Complete? 

N/Y or IP (In progress)

3/1/2024

Integrate Star Tracker motor and camera with Raspberry Pi board

IP

3/8/2024

Begin wiring �1.) Connect solid state relay to ras pi�2.) Connect solid state relay to keys switch�3.)  Connect the regolith experiment to ras pi

IP

3/15/2024

Subsystem structrual integration� Regolith activation sequence testing and structural assembly�All System and Power Testing

IP

3/22/2024

ISTR Review                                                           

Y

3/29/2024

Integration testing

4/5/2024

Finish wiring and integration as needed

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Appendix – Star Tracker Timeline

76

Date

Event

Complete?

N/Y or IP (In progress)

3/1/2024

Determine materials for view window and housing�Order materials for view window�Determine build steps for housing�Integration: Pi Camera and LOST Software

IP

3/1/2024

Connect star tracker to pi board�Connect pi board to power�Integration: Servo Motor Control and LOST Software

Y

3/8/2024

Test the motor hat and the zero to go raspberry pi�Test all Star Tracker components�Lens Filter Testing

IP

3/15/2024

Subsystem structural integration

 Complete Lens Filter Testing

IP

3/20/2024

Order Window for Pi Camera

3/22/2024

ISTR Review

Y

3/29/2024

Test Window for Pi Camera

4/5/2024

Integration: Programming and Star Tracker

4/12/2024

Integration: Star Tracker and Mechanical Systems

4/26/2024

FMSR review

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Appendix – Regolith Timeline

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Date

Event 

Completed? 

N/Y or In Progress (IP)

3/1/2024

Insulation test and sintering test

IP

3/8/2024

Dry Run test in vacuum chamber

IP

3/16/2024

Kiln sintering test

Y

3/18/2024

Dry run test�Insulation test

Y

3/19/2024

Induction sintering test�Solid state relay test

Y

3/22/2024

ISTR Review

Y

3/29/2024

Subsystem structural integration Vibration testing and G force shock testing

4/5/2024

Heat capacity/timing test

4/12/2024

vacuum test

4/19/2024

Sintered regolith structural testing/microscope analysis

4/26/2024

FMSR review

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Appendix - Student/Mentor Work Plan

  • External mentors
    • Advisors from other COSGC teams help with problem-solving
    • Continued variety of guidance from past RRCC and ACC Space Grant Teams
    • Additional Acquaintances 
  • William Mason of Cedar Rapids, IA
    • Retired engineer who built lenses for particles accelerators
    • Expertise with ceramic and glass artistry
    • Assisted our search for payload insulation
  • Clint Mitchel
    • Aerospace electrical engineer
    • Participated in Orion mission, asteroid mining, NASA missions
    • Assisted in power source and circuitry 
  • Weekly meetings with advisors (Jennifer Jones, Lynne Albert, and Annie Strange)

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Appendix - Partnerships

  • No changes since STR

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