CubeSat Design and Optimization

This project is my senior capstone project that is still in progress. I am the team leader, so I am coordinating meeting times and setting our project schedule. I will be updating this page as it progresses.

Project Goals:

  • Determine the properties of two new space grade filaments, Tullomer and Prusament Space Grade

  • Optimize print parameters for the more promising material

  • Print a full 1U CubeSat

  • Perform FEA on full CubeSat as a final stretch goal

Project Plan:

  • We already researched any available material properties as well as traditional CubeSat materials, design, and testing methods

  • We have created a test matrix to prepare for our future work

  • Will be printing material coupons with both filaments

  • Will be printing with different infills, print directions, supports, etc.

  • Will be tension and compression testing each specimen using Instron machines

  • Will use this data to determine optimal print settings and the more promising material

  • Will print a full CubeSat near the end of the project

  • Will be generating various reports and presentations to explain our project process

Next Steps:

  • Print coupons, which will be dogbones, with each material for testing

  • Perform tension and compression testing on coupons to start determining both material properties and optimal print parameters