What is a CubeSat?
A CubeSat is a type of nanosatellite that is significantly cheaper to create than traditional satellites. CubeSat's come in different sizes such as 1U (10x10x10 cm), 2U (10x10x20 cm), 3U (10x10x30 cm), etc.. They provide a more effective way to try out different technologies, science investigations, and more.

The Mission.

The current CubeSat is being designed to take photos of Western University from space! This would be a feat not yet achieved for Western University students! This CubeSat will be designed according to the regulations from the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC) which we will be attending.
Subteam Details

Electrical Power System

The Electrical Power System (EPS) is designed to regulate and distribute the power output from on-board solar panels. The power drawn from the solar panels will be regulated by a centralized system that will distribute power to the various loads. These loads include a secondary battery, the other subsystems, and the payload.

​The secondary battery must be able to charge and discharge power to the other subsystems during launch and eclipse periods. The EPS makes sure that all power distribution is managed efficiently so that the most power can be obtained at any point during the mission. 

Command and Data Handling

​The Command and Data Handling system (CD&H) is intertwined with every single subsystem on the CubeSat. One aspect is the design of the onboard computer. This is the main processor for the satellite and makes executive decisions for all the other subsystems.

​The CD&H is also responsible for developing the software that runs on the onboard computer as well as the secondary processors for the other subsystems. A data bus will be designed to allow communication between the subsystems. It must be robust and fast enough to transmit all of the necessary information and commands.
Attitude Determination and Control System
The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) is a subsystem of the CubeSat that monitors and adjusts the positioning of the satellite in space. The attitude of a satellite refers to its orientation in 3D space. Correct positioning of the satellite allows cameras, sensors and solar panels to face an appropriate direction and the stabilization of the satellite provides these components with a steady structure.

​The attitude of the CubeSat can be determined using a variety of sensors including sun sensors, gyroscopes and magnetometers. After the orientation of the satellite is determined, the attitude can be adjusted using magnetorquers that interact with the Earth's magnetic field and reaction wheels.
Payload
The Payload system will be deciding what the mission of the CubeSat is, and what is going to be studied while in space. Whether it be Earth observation, communication, navigation, or science and technology, we will be looking into experiments that have been done in space and figuring out what needs to be done to determine our payload and mission goals. Once we have decided on our payload, we will work with other teams to implement it into the CubeSat itself.

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Communications
Structures
​The Communications system encompasses everything involved in allowing the CubeSat to talk to us on Earth. Both the CubeSat and the ground station have antennas for sending and receiving information. We're designing the associated electronics to be specialized for the rain, clouds, and distance the radio waves pass through during communication. We're responsible for selecting the protocols of encoding and writing the information, to make sure that all information is clearly received.
The Structures system is about designing the chassis of the CubeSat using a CAD program and using that design to then construct and test it. The goal of the structures team is to construct a robust and lightweight frame that can withstand the journey to space and will protect the components within it while completing it's mission. We will also be working on machining and constructing the chassis and other components using space grade materials.