In engineering we are faced with contradictions all the time when we are tasked to come up with solutions to solve issues. For example aircraft require to be lightweight to keep fuel consumption to a minimal, improve handling and safety but at the same time to be strong enough to not break apart due to … Continue reading TRIZ: solving those contradictions
Blog
Investigation of pocketqube flight dynamics working paper
an-investigation-on-the-influence-of-microswitches-on-pocketqubes-flight-dyanmics-working-paper-1Download An investigation was carried out to test the influence of the microswitches locations on spin rates of the satellites as they are ejected out of the deployer. This is the working paper of the findings which has been submitted for review.
New VibePODs
1P Vibe POD Following the successes of our 1P & 1.5P VibePODs, we are pleased to showcase the designs for the 2P and 3P VibePODs which can be used to qualify 2P and 3P Pocketqube satellites. We are looking for volunteers to test these designs which would provide the pocketqube community access to a full … Continue reading New VibePODs
All rise the Great Auk
The Great Auk (GA) was a flightless bird which is a fitting name for the new dummy 3P pocketqube satellites. They have been developed to replace the dummy pocketqubes that were damaged during the initial functional testing of the Claymore deployer. Their mass are approximately 720g and just like as their name suggest they aren't … Continue reading All rise the Great Auk
1.5P VibePOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkOFzomAOco&t=29s 1.5P VibePOD can be used to pass 1.5P Pocketqubes during random vibration testing. Has been qualified to NASA GEVS7000 in 2020 where it enabled AMSAT’s EASAT-2 1.5P and Hades satellites to pass random vibration. Dimensions w/o plate: 98mm x 96mm x 117mm. Dimension of adapter plate: 230mm x 230mm x 14mm Mass (Dry): 1.1kg … Continue reading 1.5P VibePOD
Claymore 6P Mk1
I am excited to showcase the MK1 engineering model of the Claymore 6P POD which aims to decoratise the pocketqube launch services by providing PQ teams an alternative launch service. The only things that are missing are the hold down release mechanism (HDRM), hinge pins and a replacement for the top panel since it has … Continue reading Claymore 6P Mk1
VibePOD 1P
Back in December 2019 I was excited to showcase the 1p VibePOD which was used to qualify the FOSSA 1P for the Rocketlab “Running out of fingers” mission in Q4 2019. The deployer was tested to NASA GEVS7000 standards. I have decided to make the design open source and I have uploaded the STEP files, … Continue reading VibePOD 1P
Generating requirements by visualising the problem
Developing a set of requirements before you dive into CAD is not only good practice but necessary as you can’t determine whether your design will meet your needs if you haven’t defined them. Poor or vague requirements are also useless as they can make things difficult to define if your design is acceptable for solving … Continue reading Generating requirements by visualising the problem
Pocketqubes won’t replace cubesats
Ok the title is a bit click bait but in all seriousness I don’t see pocketqubes (PQ) replacing cubesats. I know this sounds a bit crazy from someone who is developing the “Claymore” a 6P pocketqube deployer. But hear me out, this isn’t necessary a bad thing and I believe that this can be a … Continue reading Pocketqubes won’t replace cubesats
Build or buy?
When developing the Claymore 6P Pocketqube deployer on a budget I have had to make some decisions such as whether to make everything for scratch or to buy consumable of the shelf (COTS) components. I am sure people, SME, universities who are developing cubesats and pocketqubes face the same challenges. This is why I want … Continue reading Build or buy?