Looking forward ...
Rather than utilize the six paneled design of the first prototype, we have started designing a new structure that relies heavily on sheet metal parts which are faster and cheaper to manufacture. Displayed to the left is a corner bracket used in the new design that was drawn by a team member in Fusion 360.
We have also begun looking into additive manufacturing methods. 3D printing materials such as PEEK and Ultem 9085 offer competitive strength and temperature resistance properties compared to aluminum. Off to the right is a screen shot of the CAM generated extrusion path for a potential CubeSat part in Fusion 360.
Power, an integral component for proper satellite operation is still in the works. JMU DukeSat plans to use a deployable solar array, in order to power the micro-controller, XBee, and other electronics-based hardware.
JMU DukeSat plans to test the Mesh Network and ground communications station by using weather balloons. We will attach our CubeSat structure with the hardware components to weather balloons to provide a more realistic setting for a prototype test. This will also be much more cost-effective than launching.
