CubeSat Temperature and Humidity

This is our CubeSat. We decided we wanted to measure temperature and humidity because we were curious about the conditions in Space. We 3D printed our structure and found the most efficient ways to build this model. Our goal was to build a system that would measure temperature and humidity. The constraints of this project were size and weight. The dimensions were challenging because we had to fit all the components in the cube and they all had to function properly.The size had to be 10 cm x 10cm x 10cm. And, it could only weigh 1.33 kilograms. Below are our initial sketches and our final sketch. These gave us an idea of what we were building and how we would go about it.

Step 1: Structure

We first started out our project with the 3D printed structure. We 3D printed 4 CubeSat bases, 2 Ardusat sides, 2 Ardusat bases, and 1 Arduino base. We accessed these STL files through https://www.instructables.com/id/HyperDuino-based-CubeSat/. We printed using the Lulzbot Taz with Polymaker "PolyLite PLA", True black 2.85mm.

Step 2: Assembly of the Structure

After we 3D printed we had to assemble the pieces. We used the silver screws to add height to the plates. THen we used the black screws to put the sides together.

• Silver long screws: #8-32 x 1-1/4 in. Zinc-Plated Truss-Head Combo Drive Machine Screw
• Black screws: #10-24 Black Oxide Stainless Steel Button Head Socket Cap Screws

Step 3: Wiring

DHT11 sensor

• furthest right - GND
• skip one pin
• Next pin - 7 digital
• Furthest left - 5V

SD reader

• Furthset right - digital pin 4
• Next pin - digital pin 13
• Next pin - digital pin 11
• Next pin - digital pin 12
• Next pin - 5V
• Furthest pin left - GND

Step 4: Code

We designed this code to help the arduino work with the DHT11 sensor and works with the SD card reader. We had some troubles getting it working but this code linked is our finale product that worked correctly.

Step 5: Data Analysis

The video linked shows our CubeSat during its shake testing in slow motion in order to find out how many times the platform moved back and forth during the 30 seconds. The second link shows all of our collected data from the shaking tests, both the X testing and the Y testing, and from the orbital test, where the CubeSat was swung around for 30 seconds.

The first column shows the temperature of each test and the second column shows the pressure during each test.

Step 6: Physics

Through this project, we learned about Centripetal motion. We used a shake table and a flight simulator to get the data we needed. The other skills we learned are coding, problem-solving, and building.

Period: 20 seconds - The amount of time needed to complete a cycle.

Frequency: 32 times - How many times the cubesat was shaken in an minute.

Velocity: 1.54 m/s - The rate of motion in specific direction.

Acceleration: 5.58 m/s2 - When an object velocity changes.

Centripetal Force: 0.87N - The force of an object in a circular path.

Step 7: Conclusion

Overall, this project taught us a lot. We learned skills we did not think we could have. We learned how to work new machinery such as a 3D printer, dremel, and a drill. The safety practices we used were being cautious and working together. As a team, we had to work together to create a functioning project and work through all the problems that we encountered.