If you are interested in building a pocketqube or cubesat, it is useful to know what you will need to build your satellite. Most of the equipment listed below is focussed from a mechanical standpoint but we briefly cover electronics:
Mechanical
- Drill
- Dremel
- Allen keys/Screw Drivers
- Files
- Loctite
- Tower drill
- G-clamps
- 3D Printer
Drills, files and Dremel kits are useful during prototyping as they will help you solve minor errors like incorrect hole tolerances or minor modifications to your designs. Once you make those minor adjustments you can record them in a lessons learned document. Loctite is used to add security to your bolted connections.
3D printer
When it comes to prototyping a 3D printer is a very useful tool to have as you can just test out concepts and designs very quickly before you go ahead with an engineering model. Things might look good or work on paper till you try it out in real life. Scrapping an idea during 3D printing will save you time and money.
Electronics
For electronics the list (although not exhaustive) can be found below:
- Soldering kit
- Multimeter
- Crimp
- Crimp insert
- Wire stripper
- Wire cutters
- Breadboard
- Things to practice on (resistors, LEDs)
- Wires
Soldering, crimps, wire strippers etc are self explanatory but breadboarding to test out circuits is a must. Just like in testing mechanical ideas with a 3D printer you want to test out your satellite electronic circuits quickly and cheaply as possible. There is nothing worse than developing custom PCBs or soldering components together to then the satellite not working. LEDs can provide visual feedback and multimeter can help fault find problems with your circuit. Resistors are very cheap and inexpensive to practice soldering skills and spare wiring and crimps can help you learn splicing wires together.
Metrology
It is important to be able to measure components to ensure that they will meet your design requirements. If there are issues with things not fitting properly you can measure them to find out where things need to be fixed. You may not have the funds for CMM but you can use the following metrology tools without breaking the bank.
- Callipers
- Micrometre
- Ruler
Callipers and micrometres can give you accurate measurements to your parts with good repeatability if you store them and maintain them correctly. A ruler is actually really useful to have lying around your desk when you are 3D modelling as the screen can make it difficult to fully understand the scale of your components.
Safety
Safety is something you should never ignore as your own and your colleagues safety should be a high priority just like the success of your satellite mission.
- Safety goggles
- Air filter
- Ear defenders
- Heat mat
Safety goggles should be used to protect your eyes during soldering and drilling while air filters and heat mats should be used while soldering or using adhesives like loctites. If you want to find out what measures you should take when using adhesives, chemicals or substances on your satellite projects you should investigate the material safety data sheet (MSDS). You should carry out a risk assessment and method statement before building your satellite and using equipment as you need to identify hazards and risks. A risk assessment, FMEA and method statement can help you carry out your work in a more efficient manner as mapping out your processes can aid you in finding a quicker and safer way to do things as you will eliminate actions that add no value to building your satellite.
Software
- CAD
- Word processing (MS Office, Libre office etc)
- KiCAD
CAD
There are plenty of options when it comes to CAD packages you can have Solidworks, NX, Inventor which are more than capable to use when you are designing the mechanical components of your satellite. However, these packages do have a high upfront cost especially if you want to carry out FEA as the basic licenses don’t generally cover analysis. Some vendors do provide support for startups and there are student deals but if you are unable to obtain any support then I recommend Fusion 360. Fusion 360 does have a monthly fee, but it does allow you to 3D model and carry out FEA on your designs. The FEA includes Static, modal, thermal and random vibration.
Word Processing
You want to be able to record your test results, requirements, meeting minutes, lessons learned, proposals, calculations etc. Word Processing software is just as important as CAD packages when it comes to pocketqube and cubesat projects. To save time you can use some templates for your project.
KiCAD
KiCAD is useful if you want to create your own electronic circuits and produce wiring diagrams for components.
This is a basic list of items you will need in order to build a cubesat or pocketqube satellite, if you have anything to add to this list don’t hesitate to comment below as you will help others in their mission.