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Semester Projects
Fall 2025
Embark on an exciting journey with the EPFL Spacecraft team! Our semester projects offer you the unique chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges in spacecraft design and exploration. Step into the frontier of space technology, and shape the future of space travel with us!
System engineering
None this semester
Structure
Thermal Analysis of a 3U CubeSat
Semester project
Section : ME, Space Minor
Description:
The goal of this semester project is to refine the thermal model of the CHESS Pathfinder 1 CubeSat using Systema Thermica. The objective is to design a primarily passive thermal control system, relying on the careful selection of surface coatings to regulate temperature, in order to ensure the satellite can survive and operate in the harsh space environment. The analysis includes simulations of worst-case orbital conditions, such as hot and cold cases, and evaluates the thermal response of the satellite in both operational and non-operational modes. Compliance of each subsystem with its respective thermal requirements is verified, and based on the results, recommendations for thermal design improvements are proposed.
Tasks:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design and architecture.
- Model and analyse the thermal behaviour of the satellite
- Propose solutions to imporve thermal design
Background and skills:
- Experience in thermal analysis software (or willing to learn)
The goal of this semester project is to refine the thermal model of the CHESS Pathfinder 1 CubeSat using Systema Thermica. The objective is to design a primarily passive thermal control system, relying on the careful selection of surface coatings to regulate temperature, in order to ensure the satellite can survive and operate in the harsh space environment. The analysis includes simulations of worst-case orbital conditions, such as hot and cold cases, and evaluates the thermal response of the satellite in both operational and non-operational modes. Compliance of each subsystem with its respective thermal requirements is verified, and based on the results, recommendations for thermal design improvements are proposed.
Tasks:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design and architecture.
- Model and analyse the thermal behaviour of the satellite
- Propose solutions to imporve thermal design
Background and skills:
- Experience in thermal analysis software (or willing to learn)
EPS (Electrical Power System)
Radiation-Tolerant Redesign of the CubeSat EPS Power Conditioning and Distribution
Unit (PCDU)
Semester project
Section : EL
Description :
This project aims to redesign the Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) of our CubeSat’s Electrical Power System (EPS) to improve its robustness in the harsh radiation environment of space.
Building on the current EPS architecture, the aim is to identify and mitigate the risks posed by radiation-sensitive components, and to propose a new design with increased tolerance, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and mission relevance.
The project will involve a detailed component-level risk analysis to determine which parts of the existing board are most susceptible to failure due to radiation exposure. Based on this analysis, the student will explore and evaluate radiation-tolerant alternatives, taking into account trade-offs between performance, availability, and cost.
A particular focus will be placed on replacing the current MPPT-based power management module, which is highly customized and not radiation-hardened, with a more suitable and robust solution.
In addition to these improvements, the project will also address the redesign of the satellite’s initial power-up sequence. Particularly in scenarios where the batteries are fully depleted at the time of deployment. A new startup mechanism must be developed to ensure the satellite can reliably boot and begin harvesting power from solar arrays under these critical conditions.
The final outcome will include an updated architecture and schematic for a new EPS iteration that enhances both radiation tolerance and startup reliability.
Tasks:
- Perform a radiation risk assessment of the current EPS components to identify critical vulnerabilities.
- Research and select a microcontroller and key components with improved radiation tolerance.
- Propose alternative designs for sensitive subsystems, especially the MPPT-based power management, balancing robustness, performance, and cost.
- Redesign the EPS architecture accordingly and produce schematics for the updated PCDU.
- Redesign the satellite’s power-up mechanism to ensure reliable startup after
deployment, even in cases where the batteries are fully depleted.
- Document the trade-offs made and justify design choices in the context of space
mission constraints.
Background and skills:
- Solid understanding of analog and digital electronics, power management, and circuit design.
- Familiarity with PCB design tools.
- Interest in space applications, system-level design, and radiation effects in
electronics.
This project aims to redesign the Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) of our CubeSat’s Electrical Power System (EPS) to improve its robustness in the harsh radiation environment of space.
Building on the current EPS architecture, the aim is to identify and mitigate the risks posed by radiation-sensitive components, and to propose a new design with increased tolerance, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and mission relevance.
The project will involve a detailed component-level risk analysis to determine which parts of the existing board are most susceptible to failure due to radiation exposure. Based on this analysis, the student will explore and evaluate radiation-tolerant alternatives, taking into account trade-offs between performance, availability, and cost.
A particular focus will be placed on replacing the current MPPT-based power management module, which is highly customized and not radiation-hardened, with a more suitable and robust solution.
In addition to these improvements, the project will also address the redesign of the satellite’s initial power-up sequence. Particularly in scenarios where the batteries are fully depleted at the time of deployment. A new startup mechanism must be developed to ensure the satellite can reliably boot and begin harvesting power from solar arrays under these critical conditions.
The final outcome will include an updated architecture and schematic for a new EPS iteration that enhances both radiation tolerance and startup reliability.
Tasks:
- Perform a radiation risk assessment of the current EPS components to identify critical vulnerabilities.
- Research and select a microcontroller and key components with improved radiation tolerance.
- Propose alternative designs for sensitive subsystems, especially the MPPT-based power management, balancing robustness, performance, and cost.
- Redesign the EPS architecture accordingly and produce schematics for the updated PCDU.
- Redesign the satellite’s power-up mechanism to ensure reliable startup after
deployment, even in cases where the batteries are fully depleted.
- Document the trade-offs made and justify design choices in the context of space
mission constraints.
Background and skills:
- Solid understanding of analog and digital electronics, power management, and circuit design.
- Familiarity with PCB design tools.
- Interest in space applications, system-level design, and radiation effects in
electronics.
Radiation-Tolerant Redesign of the CubeSat Battery Management Unit (BMU)
Semester project
Section : EL
Description :
This project focuses on the redesign of the Battery Management Unit (BMU) within the CubeSat’s Electrical Power System (EPS), with the goal of improving radiation tolerance and overall system reliability in space. Building upon the current BMU iteration, the student will carry out a thorough risk analysis of existing components to identify those most vulnerable to radiation-induced failures.
In addition to these improvements, the project will also address the redesign of the satellite’s initial power-up sequence. Particularly in scenarios where the batteries are fully depleted at the time of deployment. A new startup mechanism must be developed to ensure the satellite can reliably boot and begin harvesting power from solar arrays under these critical conditions.
The project will involve selecting and evaluating radiation-tolerant alternatives to critical components, especially those involved in battery charging and protection. Trade-offs will need to be made between performance, robustness, and cost to ensure the final design remains feasible for a CubeSat-class mission. A close collaboration with the system engineering team will be essential to understand the mission requirements of CHESS and to potentially redefine the BMU specifications accordingly. Particular attention will be given to implementing redundancy mechanisms and improving the reliability of the battery charging circuit.
Tasks:
- Analyze the current BMU design to identify components most at risk from radiation exposure.
- Investigate and select radiation-tolerant replacements for critical components,
especially in the charging and protection circuits.
- Collaborate with the system engineering team to review mission-specific
requirements and update BMU specifications if necessary.
- Redesign the BMU architecture, including improved redundancy and fault recovery features.
- Redesign the satellite’s power-up mechanism to ensure reliable startup after
deployment, even in cases where the batteries are fully depleted.
- Develop schematics for the new BMU iteration, documenting trade-offs and
justifying component selection.
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of battery management systems, circuit design, and power electronics.
- Familiarity with space systems engineering and CubeSat-level mission requirements is a plus.
- Strong interest in radiation effects on electronics and system reliability in space
environments.
This project focuses on the redesign of the Battery Management Unit (BMU) within the CubeSat’s Electrical Power System (EPS), with the goal of improving radiation tolerance and overall system reliability in space. Building upon the current BMU iteration, the student will carry out a thorough risk analysis of existing components to identify those most vulnerable to radiation-induced failures.
In addition to these improvements, the project will also address the redesign of the satellite’s initial power-up sequence. Particularly in scenarios where the batteries are fully depleted at the time of deployment. A new startup mechanism must be developed to ensure the satellite can reliably boot and begin harvesting power from solar arrays under these critical conditions.
The project will involve selecting and evaluating radiation-tolerant alternatives to critical components, especially those involved in battery charging and protection. Trade-offs will need to be made between performance, robustness, and cost to ensure the final design remains feasible for a CubeSat-class mission. A close collaboration with the system engineering team will be essential to understand the mission requirements of CHESS and to potentially redefine the BMU specifications accordingly. Particular attention will be given to implementing redundancy mechanisms and improving the reliability of the battery charging circuit.
Tasks:
- Analyze the current BMU design to identify components most at risk from radiation exposure.
- Investigate and select radiation-tolerant replacements for critical components,
especially in the charging and protection circuits.
- Collaborate with the system engineering team to review mission-specific
requirements and update BMU specifications if necessary.
- Redesign the BMU architecture, including improved redundancy and fault recovery features.
- Redesign the satellite’s power-up mechanism to ensure reliable startup after
deployment, even in cases where the batteries are fully depleted.
- Develop schematics for the new BMU iteration, documenting trade-offs and
justifying component selection.
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of battery management systems, circuit design, and power electronics.
- Familiarity with space systems engineering and CubeSat-level mission requirements is a plus.
- Strong interest in radiation effects on electronics and system reliability in space
environments.
Telecommunication
Design and Integration of an FPGA-Based Message Processing Unit
for X-Band Transmission - Taken
Semester project
Section : EL MT IN SC
Description:
The project aims to implement and integrate a real-time encoding unit on an FPGA to support X-Band data transmission for the CHESS mission. The unit will handle
error-correction encoding (convolutional and Reed-Solomon) between the on-board computer (OBC) and the analog transmission hardware.
This processing unit is critical to ensure robust transmission of scientific data from the
satellite. The student will define communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet) between the OBC and the FPGA, implement the encoding logic, and support the physical and functional
integration of the FPGA onto the board, considering radiation effects and testing constraints.
This semester project will be supervised by a professor and a PhD of the Embedded Systems Laboratory.
Tasks:
- Define communication interfaces between the FPGA and both the OBC and the
analog transmission chain.
- Implement convolutional and Reed-Solomon encoders on the FPGA (existing work can be leveraged).
- Integrate the FPGA into the X-Band board, addressing hardware layout, radiation tolerance, and testability.
- Support simulations and propose strategies for validating encoding performance.
- Document protocol choices, encoding flow, and hardware integration strategy.
Background and skills:
Recommended but not mandatory :
Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog).
- Familiarity with digital communication systems, especially channel encoding.
- Understanding of communication protocols.
- Knowledge of embedded system integration and constraints (e.g., radiation, board layout).
- Interest in space systems and digital hardware design.
The project aims to implement and integrate a real-time encoding unit on an FPGA to support X-Band data transmission for the CHESS mission. The unit will handle
error-correction encoding (convolutional and Reed-Solomon) between the on-board computer (OBC) and the analog transmission hardware.
This processing unit is critical to ensure robust transmission of scientific data from the
satellite. The student will define communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet) between the OBC and the FPGA, implement the encoding logic, and support the physical and functional
integration of the FPGA onto the board, considering radiation effects and testing constraints.
This semester project will be supervised by a professor and a PhD of the Embedded Systems Laboratory.
Tasks:
- Define communication interfaces between the FPGA and both the OBC and the
analog transmission chain.
- Implement convolutional and Reed-Solomon encoders on the FPGA (existing work can be leveraged).
- Integrate the FPGA into the X-Band board, addressing hardware layout, radiation tolerance, and testability.
- Support simulations and propose strategies for validating encoding performance.
- Document protocol choices, encoding flow, and hardware integration strategy.
Background and skills:
Recommended but not mandatory :
Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog).
- Familiarity with digital communication systems, especially channel encoding.
- Understanding of communication protocols.
- Knowledge of embedded system integration and constraints (e.g., radiation, board layout).
- Interest in space systems and digital hardware design.
Ground segment
Development and Implementation of Algorithms for Optimization and
Control of the Tracking for an X-Band Antenna
Semester project
Section : MT - EL - SC
Description:
The goal of this project is to design, implement, and evaluate control and optimization algorithms for an X-Band antenna tracking system. The underlying X-Y mechanism, composed of stepper motors and encoders, has already been developed and assembled in previous semesters. The student is free to steer the project according to their interest, from system identification and tracking performance evaluation to GUI enhancement and implementation of control strategies. Real hardware will be used for testing and validation.
Tasks:
- Validate the functionality and measured data of the mechanisms (2 stepper motors and 2 encoders)
- Implement the tracking algorithm and evaluate the performance with real time data.
- Perform system identification on the X-Y mechanism to obtain a valuable model
- Improve the GUI of the system with G-predict, by adding multiple sub-modules
- Implement and evaluate different control solutions
Background and skills:
- Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog).
- Familiarity with digital communication systems, especially channel encoding.
- Understanding of communication protocols.Knowledge of embedded system integration and constraints (e.g., radiation, board layout).
- Interest in space systems and digital hardware design.
The goal of this project is to design, implement, and evaluate control and optimization algorithms for an X-Band antenna tracking system. The underlying X-Y mechanism, composed of stepper motors and encoders, has already been developed and assembled in previous semesters. The student is free to steer the project according to their interest, from system identification and tracking performance evaluation to GUI enhancement and implementation of control strategies. Real hardware will be used for testing and validation.
Tasks:
- Validate the functionality and measured data of the mechanisms (2 stepper motors and 2 encoders)
- Implement the tracking algorithm and evaluate the performance with real time data.
- Perform system identification on the X-Y mechanism to obtain a valuable model
- Improve the GUI of the system with G-predict, by adding multiple sub-modules
- Implement and evaluate different control solutions
Background and skills:
- Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog).
- Familiarity with digital communication systems, especially channel encoding.
- Understanding of communication protocols.Knowledge of embedded system integration and constraints (e.g., radiation, board layout).
- Interest in space systems and digital hardware design.
Backend Software Development for a Multi-Band Ground Station
Semester project
Section : MT - EL - SC
Description:
The goal of this project is to develop the backend software of a multi-band satellite ground station, capable of interfacing with two separate antenna systems (UHF and X-band).
The backend will act as an API server, managing two main interfaces:
- One toward the antenna systems, responsible for tracking and RF configuration
- One toward a Mission Control Software, enabling uplink of commands and downlink of telemetry
The student will define the architecture and implementation strategy of this software, with guidance provided to balance professional software practices and pragmatic implementation adapted to a student-led project.
The final solution must be tested in both simulation and real hardware, with access to a fully deployed UHF system and a functional X-band tracking mechanism and onboard computer.
Tasks:
- Design the backend architecture as a modular API server
- Implement interfaces to control antenna pointing and RF settings
- Integrate communication protocols with a Mission Control System (commands & telemetry)
- Define configuration and scheduling logic
- Validate the backend through simulation and live testing on real hardware
(UHF & X-band)
Background and skills:
- Strong Python programming skills
- Familiarity with API development (e.g., REST, FastAPI/Flask)
- Basic understanding of satellite communications (Az/El tracking, telemetry, command uplink)
- Interest in system-level software and real-world validation
The goal of this project is to develop the backend software of a multi-band satellite ground station, capable of interfacing with two separate antenna systems (UHF and X-band).
The backend will act as an API server, managing two main interfaces:
- One toward the antenna systems, responsible for tracking and RF configuration
- One toward a Mission Control Software, enabling uplink of commands and downlink of telemetry
The student will define the architecture and implementation strategy of this software, with guidance provided to balance professional software practices and pragmatic implementation adapted to a student-led project.
The final solution must be tested in both simulation and real hardware, with access to a fully deployed UHF system and a functional X-band tracking mechanism and onboard computer.
Tasks:
- Design the backend architecture as a modular API server
- Implement interfaces to control antenna pointing and RF settings
- Integrate communication protocols with a Mission Control System (commands & telemetry)
- Define configuration and scheduling logic
- Validate the backend through simulation and live testing on real hardware
(UHF & X-band)
Background and skills:
- Strong Python programming skills
- Familiarity with API development (e.g., REST, FastAPI/Flask)
- Basic understanding of satellite communications (Az/El tracking, telemetry, command uplink)
- Interest in system-level software and real-world validation
OBC
Update Linux Yocto image of the On-BoardComputer for CHESS Mission
Semester project
Section : IC - MT - Space Minor
Description:
The semester project would be aimed at adapting the previous Yocto-based Linux image to match the new board’s design and architecture changes. The new iteration ofthe OBC introduces a change in the CPU and slight change in system architecture,requiring a modification of the pre-existing Yocto-based image to tailor the new need sand architecture of the OBC, in order to be able to have a lightweight, predictable andreliable OS to run our Flight Software.
Tasks:
- Get familiar with Yocto-based Linux image building
- Understand the new changes in architecture and how they affect the OS.
- Implement the needed changes to the image.
- Work with other members of the EPFL Spacecraft Team to adapt image as needed.
Background and skills:
- Courses related to embedded, low level or OS programming.
- Familiarity with cross-compilation, Linux and ideally Yocto.
- Understanding of Operating systems working principles (device trees, kernel,bootloaders, etc…).
- Interest and motivation for space technologies
Finalisation of the On-Board Computer for CHESS
Mission
Semester project
Section : IC - MT - Space Minor
Description:
The semester project would be aimed at finalising the design of the latest design of the On-Board Computer (OBC) for the CHESS mission. This consists in reviewing pre-existing schematics and adapting them as needed in KiCad, designing the layout of the new board (also in KiCad) and implement various radiation limitation techniques and ‘space proofing’ the new board, which means designing and implementing new radiation mitigation strategies as well as improving the already existing ones. The semester project also includes assembling and testing the board once the design is finished.
Tasks:
- Understand and complete previous design
- Update and complete schematics and layout in KiCad
- Improve space-readiness by improving robustness, reliability and implementing additional radiation mitigation techniques.
- Assemble and test and validate the new Design
Background and skills:
- Courses related to IC design (or willing to learn)
- Experience in PCB design (recommended but not necessary)
- Familiarity with hardware reliability techniques
- Interest and motivation for space technologies
Flight Software
Implementation of CHESS Flight Software Architecture
Semester project
Section : Computer science - Communication sciences
Description:
This project aims to implement the modular flight software architecture for the CHESS Pathfinder 1 mission using the F Prime framework. The work involves collaborating with other CHESS poles to define the interfaces between the spacecraft subsystems and the flight software, ensuring reliable and consistent data exchange for mission operations. The project will include implementing the necessary software components, integrating them within the existing architecture, and ensuring they meet mission requirements for robustness and maintainability. Clear documentation will support system integration and future testing campaigns.
This project is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to a satellite that will fly into space, ensuring that the developed software will be used in a real mission environment rather than staying at a theoretical level. The work will have a tangible impact on the mission’s readiness and will play a role in the success of CHESS Pathfinder 1.
Tasks:
- Get familiar with the CHESS Pathfinder 1 mission, its subsystems, and the previously defined software architecture.
- Define and implement the interfaces and APIs required for communication between subsystems within the F Prime framework.
- Implement the flight software components as defined, ensuring alignment with mission requirements.
- Document the implementation, APIs, and communication protocols.
Background and skills:
- Basic knowledge of F Prime (or willingness to learn).
- Software architecture.
- Interest in space systems and mission operations
Implementation of CHESS Flight Software Test Platform
Semester project
Section : Computer science - Communication sciences - Microengineering - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Description:
The Flight Software is a critical component of the CHESS Pathfinder-1 satellite, responsible for command and data handling, as well as fault detection and recovery. To ensure it operates reliably once in orbit, the software must undergo rigorous testing under realistic conditions, some of which are impossible or too costly to physically reproduce.
To address this, we are developing a modular framework for simulating Linux-based real-time systems with the aim to replicate the subsystems of the satellite and have them interact with our Flight Software in a variety of realistic scenarios. As the project is still in early development, only the core of the simulator has already been laid out as proof of concept. Most of the subsystem replicas remain to be implemented, and that is the focus of this project.
Tasks:
- Read internal documentation to become familiar with the CHESS mission and its subsystems.
- Determine how the Flight Software interfaces with the satellite’s other subsystems by working with the other poles of the Spacecraft Team.
- Implement an initial replica of each subsystem within the simulation platform.
Background and skills:
- Good programming skills, ideally with Rust (or willingness to learn it during the project).
- Comfortable working with component datasheets and protocol specifications and using them to develop accurate software models.
- Strong interest in embedded systems and the challenges of software emulation.
ADCS
ADCS Sizing and Failure-Tolerance Assessment for CHESS Mission - Taken
Semester project
Section : RO - ME - MT - Space Minor - SE Minor
Description:
The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) is a critical subsystem for mission success, enabling detumbling, attitude control, and accurate pointing for both payload operations and communication. While the baseline ADCS hardware has been selected with CubeSpace, key sizing parameters (e.g., actuator capacity, sensor placement, and operational margins) require further consolidation.
This project focuses on the detailed sizing of the ADCS components (magnetorquers, reaction wheels, and sensors) and the assessment of ADCS failure tolerance, including worst-case scenarios (e.g., reaction wheel failure, magnetometer interference).
The student will also analyze the different satellite operational modes (Safe, Science, Communication, Idle/Charging) to ensure that the ADCS configuration meets all requirements, considering tip-off rates, maximum detumbling durations, and redundancy needs. The project aims to provide a recommendation report on hardware adequacy and propose Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) strategies for the ADCS.
Tasks:
- Review the CHESS mission requirements, current ADCS design, and operational
modes.
- Calculate key sizing parameters:
- Tip-off rate from launcher specifications (upper bounds).
- Maximum detumbling duration based on available power and actuator capabilities.
- Analyze sensor and actuator placement:
- Determine optimal sensor layout (e.g., CubeMag, sun sensors, Earth sensors).
- Verify whether redundancy (additional reaction wheel or sensors) is needed.
- Conduct failure scenario analysis (e.g., single-wheel failure, magnetometer deployment failure) and assess FDIR strategies.
- Summarize findings in a sizing and reliability report with recommendations for redundancy, safety margins, and ADCS configuration.
Background and skills:
- Basic understanding of satellite attitude dynamics and control.
- Interest in systems engineering and failure-tolerance analysis.
- Knowledge of MATLAB/Python for basic analysis (e.g., torque, inertia, power budget calculations).
- Familiarity with space technology concepts (sensors, reaction wheels, magnetorquers) is a plus.