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Semester Projects
2024
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
CHESS Model Philosophy and Testing Plan
Semester project
Section : Minor in Space Tech or Systems Eng.
Description:
After a successful Preliminary Design Review, the CHESS Mission is going to its next phase. During Phase C, testing has a key role. This is why a Model Philosophy and Testing Plan needs to be developed during this semester, allowing a baseline for the whole satellite and the subsystem’s testing. This project will be oriented by the Standards stated by the ECSS, allowing an understanding of a space mission’s testing.
Tasks:
- Getting familiar with the CHESS mission
- Getting familiar with the ECSS testing standards
- Defining a Model philosophy for the satellite
- Defining a testing plan for the satellite
- Establishing a baseline of the testing plan for the subsystems
Background and skills:
- Systems Engineering
- Basic knowledge of Space technologies
After a successful Preliminary Design Review, the CHESS Mission is going to its next phase. During Phase C, testing has a key role. This is why a Model Philosophy and Testing Plan needs to be developed during this semester, allowing a baseline for the whole satellite and the subsystem’s testing. This project will be oriented by the Standards stated by the ECSS, allowing an understanding of a space mission’s testing.
Tasks:
- Getting familiar with the CHESS mission
- Getting familiar with the ECSS testing standards
- Defining a Model philosophy for the satellite
- Defining a testing plan for the satellite
- Establishing a baseline of the testing plan for the subsystems
Background and skills:
- Systems Engineering
- Basic knowledge of Space technologies
Develop the Satellite’s CONOPS to define the Flight Software
Semester project
Section : Minor in Space Tech or Systems Eng.
Description:
The Concept of Operations (ConOps) defines the operations and sequences that the satellite must perform in orbit, both autonomously and while communicating with the Ground Segment. The high level ConOps has already been defined, and a decision tree with the ConOps was made to define the baseline for the Flight Software.This project would now go more into detail and include another iteration of the decision tree with updated operations and more emphasis on the interfaces between the satellite’s subsystems.
Tasks:
- Getting familiar with the CHESS mission
- Defining the operations to be performed by the Operations team with the Ground Segment pole
- Defining the subsystem’s interfaces with the respective poles
- Updating the existing Decision Tree with up-to-date operations
Background and skills:
- Systems Engineering
- Basic knowledge of Space technologies
The Concept of Operations (ConOps) defines the operations and sequences that the satellite must perform in orbit, both autonomously and while communicating with the Ground Segment. The high level ConOps has already been defined, and a decision tree with the ConOps was made to define the baseline for the Flight Software.This project would now go more into detail and include another iteration of the decision tree with updated operations and more emphasis on the interfaces between the satellite’s subsystems.
Tasks:
- Getting familiar with the CHESS mission
- Defining the operations to be performed by the Operations team with the Ground Segment pole
- Defining the subsystem’s interfaces with the respective poles
- Updating the existing Decision Tree with up-to-date operations
Background and skills:
- Systems Engineering
- Basic knowledge of Space technologies
Structure
Design of the 2nd version of the Solar Panel Hold Down and Release Mechanism - Already taken
Semester project
Section : GM - MT - EL
Description:
This semester project would be aimed at designing and prototyping the second version of the Hold-Down and Release Mechanism (HDRM) for the solar panel deployment. Next to the general design of the mechanism this project also includes designing an arrangement that ensures the reliable cutting of a vectran wire with a nichrome wire heated by a current. The arrangement should be optimized to take up as little space as possible while being compatible with the current satellite design - i.e. a method to keep the arrangement in place within the satellite should be devised as well.
Tasks:
System Understanding:
Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design, architecture, and the workings of the devised solar panel release mechanism.
Designing the 2nd version of the HDRM for the solar panel deployment
Design a new version of the HDRM that can be integrated to the current structure of the satellite, including all the mechanical elements at the interfacesDesign an arrangement that keeps the vectran wire and nichrome wire in place, and ensures reliable cutting of the vectran wire. Optimize this design to minimize space.
Documentation and Presentation:
Develop and archive the according documentation
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of mechanical design and manufacturing
This semester project would be aimed at designing and prototyping the second version of the Hold-Down and Release Mechanism (HDRM) for the solar panel deployment. Next to the general design of the mechanism this project also includes designing an arrangement that ensures the reliable cutting of a vectran wire with a nichrome wire heated by a current. The arrangement should be optimized to take up as little space as possible while being compatible with the current satellite design - i.e. a method to keep the arrangement in place within the satellite should be devised as well.
Tasks:
System Understanding:
Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design, architecture, and the workings of the devised solar panel release mechanism.
Designing the 2nd version of the HDRM for the solar panel deployment
Design a new version of the HDRM that can be integrated to the current structure of the satellite, including all the mechanical elements at the interfacesDesign an arrangement that keeps the vectran wire and nichrome wire in place, and ensures reliable cutting of the vectran wire. Optimize this design to minimize space.
Documentation and Presentation:
Develop and archive the according documentation
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of mechanical design and manufacturing
Analyzing the stress dynamics in the CHESS CubeSat induced by the loads experienced during launch through Finite Element Modeling and Simulation - Already taken
Semester project
Section : ME
Description:
The goal of this semester project is to create a finite element model of the CHESS CubeSat in order to assess the stresses that occur in the satellite in response to loads during its launch. The loads to be assessed include for example quasi-static accelerations, random vibrations, and shock loads. The objective is to assume the worst possible loads that could occur during launch and, based on the results, make recommendations for eventual design changes to the CubeSat.
Tasks:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design and architecture
- Model the design of the satellite in Abaqus
- Perform a finite element analysis
- Improve the existing design according to the simulations
- Compile and adapt CubeSat standards and requirements related to modeling
- Develop and archive the according documentation
Background and skills:
- Courses on Finite Element Method
- Experience in Abaqus or similar CAD softwares
The goal of this semester project is to create a finite element model of the CHESS CubeSat in order to assess the stresses that occur in the satellite in response to loads during its launch. The loads to be assessed include for example quasi-static accelerations, random vibrations, and shock loads. The objective is to assume the worst possible loads that could occur during launch and, based on the results, make recommendations for eventual design changes to the CubeSat.
Tasks:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the CHESS satellite's design and architecture
- Model the design of the satellite in Abaqus
- Perform a finite element analysis
- Improve the existing design according to the simulations
- Compile and adapt CubeSat standards and requirements related to modeling
- Develop and archive the according documentation
Background and skills:
- Courses on Finite Element Method
- Experience in Abaqus or similar CAD softwares
EPS (Electrical Power System)
EPS Software
Semester project
Section : EL - MT - IC
Description:
The aim of this project is to develop and test the software for the Electrical Power System (EPS). The software will be written in C/C++ using STM32CubeIDE, a specialized integrated development environment. The primary focus is on establishing communication with the sensors. These sensors' data will be pivotal in determining the EPS's operating mode. Additionally, the software should include functions to handle and respond to measurements that fall outside the normal range.A key phase of the project involves developing the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control for the solar panels. This entails writing code to optimize the panels' power output.
Tasks:
- Write code for digital voltage and current measurements (I2C)
- Flush the code on the microcontroller, work with the person performing tests to validate the results
- Write the code on the MPPT control (based on some examples from the Spring 2023 semester)
Background and skills:
- Understanding of electrical schematics
- Embedded systems design
- Experience with I2C (and RS-485) would be helpful
- Basic understanding of MPPT (different algorithms)
The aim of this project is to develop and test the software for the Electrical Power System (EPS). The software will be written in C/C++ using STM32CubeIDE, a specialized integrated development environment. The primary focus is on establishing communication with the sensors. These sensors' data will be pivotal in determining the EPS's operating mode. Additionally, the software should include functions to handle and respond to measurements that fall outside the normal range.A key phase of the project involves developing the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control for the solar panels. This entails writing code to optimize the panels' power output.
Tasks:
- Write code for digital voltage and current measurements (I2C)
- Flush the code on the microcontroller, work with the person performing tests to validate the results
- Write the code on the MPPT control (based on some examples from the Spring 2023 semester)
Background and skills:
- Understanding of electrical schematics
- Embedded systems design
- Experience with I2C (and RS-485) would be helpful
- Basic understanding of MPPT (different algorithms)
Solar Array Design
Semester project
Section : EL - MT - Energy Master
Description:
This project revolves around conceptualizing and designing a solar array for a photovoltaic system. It begins with conducting trade-off studies to determine the balance between procured components and those designed in-house. The decision-making process involves evaluating various aspects of the photovoltaic system, such as cost, performance, and feasibility, to decide what parts of the system will be purchased and what will be custom-designed.
The student's initial focus will be to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Electrical Power System (EPS). With this knowledge, they will then proceed to design the solar array. This includes creating a schematic for connecting the solar cells and deciding on the placement of sensors on the solar panels. These sensors are crucial for monitoring the deployment status and orientation of the solar panels.
Throughout the project, the student will have the opportunity to apply and enhance their skills in system design and electronics, contributing to a vital component of the photovoltaic system.
Tasks:
- Trade-off studies on COTS/in-house design
- Selection of sensors to be placed on and around the solar panels
- Schematic design of the sensor circuits and the solar cell connection
- PCB design
Background and skills:
- Understanding of photovoltaic assemblies
- Electrical circuit design
- PCB design
This project revolves around conceptualizing and designing a solar array for a photovoltaic system. It begins with conducting trade-off studies to determine the balance between procured components and those designed in-house. The decision-making process involves evaluating various aspects of the photovoltaic system, such as cost, performance, and feasibility, to decide what parts of the system will be purchased and what will be custom-designed.
The student's initial focus will be to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Electrical Power System (EPS). With this knowledge, they will then proceed to design the solar array. This includes creating a schematic for connecting the solar cells and deciding on the placement of sensors on the solar panels. These sensors are crucial for monitoring the deployment status and orientation of the solar panels.
Throughout the project, the student will have the opportunity to apply and enhance their skills in system design and electronics, contributing to a vital component of the photovoltaic system.
Tasks:
- Trade-off studies on COTS/in-house design
- Selection of sensors to be placed on and around the solar panels
- Schematic design of the sensor circuits and the solar cell connection
- PCB design
Background and skills:
- Understanding of photovoltaic assemblies
- Electrical circuit design
- PCB design
Telecommunication
X-Band Antenna Design - Already taken
Semester project
Section : MT - EL - PH
Description:
For our X-band module, we aim to design a patch antenna. The first iteration of the antenna has already been fabricated. The project consists of validating and improving the current design as well as integrating it into the final structure of the full CubeSat. A combination of simulation and measurements will need to be performed.
Tasks:
- Validate and improve the current antenna design
- Design the final antenna structure
- Perform simulations/measurements
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of the softwares Ansys HFSS (for the simulations) and Matlab would be a plus
- General knowledge about antenna theory would be a plus (Course on “radiation and antennas” strongly recommended)
For our X-band module, we aim to design a patch antenna. The first iteration of the antenna has already been fabricated. The project consists of validating and improving the current design as well as integrating it into the final structure of the full CubeSat. A combination of simulation and measurements will need to be performed.
Tasks:
- Validate and improve the current antenna design
- Design the final antenna structure
- Perform simulations/measurements
Background and skills:
- Knowledge of the softwares Ansys HFSS (for the simulations) and Matlab would be a plus
- General knowledge about antenna theory would be a plus (Course on “radiation and antennas” strongly recommended)
Integration of the SDR and PCB of the X-Band Transmitter
Semester project
Section : MT - EL - SC
Description:
For our X-band module, we aim to design a transmitter. This module shall consist of 2 PCBs, including an analogue front-end, a software-defined radio (SDR), and an FPGA for digital signal processing. The SDR and the 2 PCBs are currently in the design stages. The current implementation of the SDR consists in an encoded QPSK Tx and Rx chains. This project’s goal is to adapt the digital SDR design for full integration on the custom hardware PCBs. It would consist in validating the current implementation and complementing it for interfacing with the PCBs.
Tasks:
- Validation of the current SDR design and Adapting it to integrate it with the PCBs
- Test the integration with the PCBs: correct signal transmission with the in-house PCB, correct interface with the RF Components
- If time allows, hardware in the loop tests with the in-house OBC
Background and skills:
- Software and Hardware skills
- Signal Processing, FPGAs, RF components…
- Simulink knowledge would be a plus
For our X-band module, we aim to design a transmitter. This module shall consist of 2 PCBs, including an analogue front-end, a software-defined radio (SDR), and an FPGA for digital signal processing. The SDR and the 2 PCBs are currently in the design stages. The current implementation of the SDR consists in an encoded QPSK Tx and Rx chains. This project’s goal is to adapt the digital SDR design for full integration on the custom hardware PCBs. It would consist in validating the current implementation and complementing it for interfacing with the PCBs.
Tasks:
- Validation of the current SDR design and Adapting it to integrate it with the PCBs
- Test the integration with the PCBs: correct signal transmission with the in-house PCB, correct interface with the RF Components
- If time allows, hardware in the loop tests with the in-house OBC
Background and skills:
- Software and Hardware skills
- Signal Processing, FPGAs, RF components…
- Simulink knowledge would be a plus
Ground segment
Setup of a Satellite Ground Station Software/Hardware Architecture
Semester project
Section : MT - EL - SC - IN
Description:
The EPFL Spacecraft Team is seeking to enhance their antenna infrastructure located on the roof of the ELB building at the EPFL campus. Currently, the antennas operate across multiple frequency bands and are not integrated into a comprehensive system. Additionally, a hardware setup for computers/servers is present in a nearby lab. The project aims to integrate the antenna transmitters, receivers, and trackers with the server setup, enabling autonomous command and tracking of satellites and other targets. The overall goal is to establish a semi-automated and efficient system for antenna control and operation.
Tasks:
- Design a comprehensive hardware/software system architecture that seamlessly integrates the antenna infrastructure with the server setup.
- Trade-off between different options and acquisition of necessary hardware.
- Identification of potential areas for improvement and pinpointing bottlenecks
Background and skills:
- This project lies at the intersection of hardware and software, familiarity with both aspects is preferable.
- Interest in radio amateur and/or satellite applications.
The EPFL Spacecraft Team is seeking to enhance their antenna infrastructure located on the roof of the ELB building at the EPFL campus. Currently, the antennas operate across multiple frequency bands and are not integrated into a comprehensive system. Additionally, a hardware setup for computers/servers is present in a nearby lab. The project aims to integrate the antenna transmitters, receivers, and trackers with the server setup, enabling autonomous command and tracking of satellites and other targets. The overall goal is to establish a semi-automated and efficient system for antenna control and operation.
Tasks:
- Design a comprehensive hardware/software system architecture that seamlessly integrates the antenna infrastructure with the server setup.
- Trade-off between different options and acquisition of necessary hardware.
- Identification of potential areas for improvement and pinpointing bottlenecks
Background and skills:
- This project lies at the intersection of hardware and software, familiarity with both aspects is preferable.
- Interest in radio amateur and/or satellite applications.
Conception and manufacturing of an autonomous calibration system for a X-Y antenna pointing mechanism
Semester project
Section : MT - GM - EL
Description:
From previous projects a X-Y antenna pointing mechanism for satellite tracking has already been designed. This project will focus on conceiving and manufacturing a system that enables autonomous calibration for precise positioning during the tracking sequence. To achieve this, you'll need to design both the hardware and software in the initial phase of the project before proceeding to the manufacturing process. Additionally, considering a mechanical stopper for the APM would be an interesting addition.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 35%, Hardware: 65%
- Design of a calibration system for an Antenna pointing mechanism
- Design of a mechanical stopper for the APM
- Documentation and drawings for both systems
Background and skills:
- Experience in using CAD programs
- Background in control systems for the calibration scripts
- Interest in prototyping
From previous projects a X-Y antenna pointing mechanism for satellite tracking has already been designed. This project will focus on conceiving and manufacturing a system that enables autonomous calibration for precise positioning during the tracking sequence. To achieve this, you'll need to design both the hardware and software in the initial phase of the project before proceeding to the manufacturing process. Additionally, considering a mechanical stopper for the APM would be an interesting addition.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 35%, Hardware: 65%
- Design of a calibration system for an Antenna pointing mechanism
- Design of a mechanical stopper for the APM
- Documentation and drawings for both systems
Background and skills:
- Experience in using CAD programs
- Background in control systems for the calibration scripts
- Interest in prototyping
Conception and assembly of an acquisition pipeline for antenna feed in X and S band
Semester project
Section : MT - GM - EL - INF - COM - PH
Description:
Throughout this project, you will focus on designing and implementing an acquisition pipeline for our newly built antenna feeds in S and X frequency bands. The primary objective is to convert the modulated signal from the feed into a numerical value. The latter half of the project will involve testing the feed, pipeline, and antenna dish to assess signal reception quality.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 40%, Hardware: 60%
- Selection of the RF components of the acquisition pipeline
- Building the pipeline and assembly with the antenna feed (Patch)
- Testing of the whole signal reception pipeline and characterization
Background and skills:
- Interest in RF and telecommunication
Throughout this project, you will focus on designing and implementing an acquisition pipeline for our newly built antenna feeds in S and X frequency bands. The primary objective is to convert the modulated signal from the feed into a numerical value. The latter half of the project will involve testing the feed, pipeline, and antenna dish to assess signal reception quality.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 40%, Hardware: 60%
- Selection of the RF components of the acquisition pipeline
- Building the pipeline and assembly with the antenna feed (Patch)
- Testing of the whole signal reception pipeline and characterization
Background and skills:
- Interest in RF and telecommunication
Programmation and optimisation of tracking algorithms to enable autonomous tracking of satellites - Already taken
Semester project
Section : MT - INF - COM
Description:
The goal of this project is to make the antenna pointing mechanism (APM) fully autonomous in its tracking and signal acquisition. The control algorithms exist already and we will need to implement them in the existing hardware. The final objective of this project is the creation of a software which will enable autonomous tracking with the APM.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 80%, Hardware: 20%
- Creation of a managing bot to plan satellite passage
- Interface previously coded bot with control algorithms for the APM
- Retrieve and store received data autonomously
- Make the whole tracking session autonomous
- Implement code and algorithms in the OBD
Background and skills:
- Proficiency in Python
- Basic knowledge in ROS is a plus
- Knowledge in network and data acquisition
The goal of this project is to make the antenna pointing mechanism (APM) fully autonomous in its tracking and signal acquisition. The control algorithms exist already and we will need to implement them in the existing hardware. The final objective of this project is the creation of a software which will enable autonomous tracking with the APM.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 80%, Hardware: 20%
- Creation of a managing bot to plan satellite passage
- Interface previously coded bot with control algorithms for the APM
- Retrieve and store received data autonomously
- Make the whole tracking session autonomous
- Implement code and algorithms in the OBD
Background and skills:
- Proficiency in Python
- Basic knowledge in ROS is a plus
- Knowledge in network and data acquisition
Mission Design / Operations
Implementation of an orbital simulation framework for satellite operations
Semester project
Section : INF-COM-Space Minor-PH
Description:
The successful Preliminary Design Review passed this year and the entering in phase C of our mission development opens the question of a thorough characterization of our satellite's future environment and behavior in orbit. In order to outline more precise requirements on every single subsystem, accurate orbital simulations must be performed to determine the trajectory of our satellite, the exposition to the Sun along the duration of the mission, and many other key features.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 100%
- Create function-oriented library for orbital simulation
- Deliver a complete study of key features for satellites behavior (Illumination, communication windows with ground station…)
Background and skills:
- Programming skills in either MATLAB or Python. Possible libraries to be used are : orekit, Matlab support package for space applications
- Basic understanding of telecommunication
- Knowledge in basic celestial mechanics is a plus
- Interest in space technologies
The successful Preliminary Design Review passed this year and the entering in phase C of our mission development opens the question of a thorough characterization of our satellite's future environment and behavior in orbit. In order to outline more precise requirements on every single subsystem, accurate orbital simulations must be performed to determine the trajectory of our satellite, the exposition to the Sun along the duration of the mission, and many other key features.
Tasks:
- Orientation: Software 100%
- Create function-oriented library for orbital simulation
- Deliver a complete study of key features for satellites behavior (Illumination, communication windows with ground station…)
Background and skills:
- Programming skills in either MATLAB or Python. Possible libraries to be used are : orekit, Matlab support package for space applications
- Basic understanding of telecommunication
- Knowledge in basic celestial mechanics is a plus
- Interest in space technologies
