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Spectrolab's High-Efficiency Solar Cells and CICs

Spectrolab's High-Efficiency Solar Cells and CICs Advancing Space Missions with Spectrolab's High-Efficiency Solar Cells and CICs As space exploration pushes the boundaries of human achievement, the need for reliable, high-performance solar power solutions is paramount. Spectrolab, a leader in the field of photovoltaic technology, offers a range of GaInP/GaAs/Ge lattice-matched triple-junction (3J) solar cells. These cells are not only designed to meet but exceed the rigorous demands of various space missions, from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to deep space missions. Below, we explore the advanced technical features and performance metrics of Spectrolab’s solar cells and Cell-Interconnect-Coverglass (CIC) assemblies. Overview of Spectrolab’s Solar Cell Technologies Spectrolab’s portfolio includes a variety of solar cells tailored for specific mission profiles, each offering distinct benefits in t

OreSat public repositories and batch clone

OreSat Repositories OreSat Repositories oresat-c3-hardware: Repository for the hardware design of OreSat's C3 subsystem. oresat-c3-software: Software repository for OreSat's C3 subsystem. oresat-configs: Configuration files and settings for the OreSat project. oresat-olaf: Repository for the OLAF subsystem used in OreSat. oresat-firmware: Firmware repository for various OreSat components. oresat-adcs-software: Software related to Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for OreSat. oresat-linux: Repository for managing Linux distributions and configurations used in OreSat. oresat-helmholtz: Helmholtz coil simulation and design repository for OreSat. oresat-solar-simulator-hardware: Hardware design for the solar simulator in OreSat. oresat-simulator: Simulation environment and tools for testing OreSat components. oresat-ax5043-driver:

Installing and Setting Up ChibiOS

Installing and Setting Up ChibiOS Installing and Setting Up ChibiOS ChibiOS is a compact, fast, and reliable real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems. It is particularly well-suited for microcontrollers, including those based on ARM Cortex-M architectures such as the Cortex-M0. This guide will walk you through the steps to install and set up ChibiOS for development. Step 1: Download ChibiOS To get started, you need to download the ChibiOS source code. You can download it from the ChibiOS official website or the ChibiOS GitHub repository . You can either clone the repository using Git or download the source as a ZIP file. git clone https://github.com/ChibiOS/ChibiOS.git Step 2: Set Up the Development Environment To develop with ChibiOS, you need to set up a suitable development environment. Here's how to do it: 1. Install a Toolcha

Exploring Open Source CubeSat Projects

Open Source CubeSat Projects Open Source CubeSat Projects Open Source CubeSat Project (OSCP) CubeSat Design Specification (CDS) Open Source CubeSat Project (OSCP) Advantages: Provides open-source designs and documentation that support educational and research missions. It offers a platform that is accessible and cost-effective for universities and small organizations. Community Review: Users appreciate the comprehensive documentation and the support for educational purposes. Many universities have successfully used OSCP designs for student projects. Learn more LibreSpace Foundation Advantages: Focuses on open-source space technology, including CubeSats, and promotes the development of accessible space technologies. Community Review

STAR-DUNDEEE Installation

 To install and set up a STAR-Dundee SpaceWire interface on a Linux system, you need to follow several steps, including obtaining the necessary software and drivers, installing the hardware, and configuring the system. Here is a general guide to help you through the process: 1. Obtain the Necessary Software and Drivers Visit STAR-Dundee's Website : Go to the STAR-Dundee website and navigate to the Downloads section. Download the appropriate drivers and software for your specific SpaceWire interface and operating system. Register or Contact Support : You might need to register or contact STAR-Dundee support to get access to certain downloads. 2. Install the Hardware Connect the Hardware : Connect your STAR-Dundee SpaceWire interface to your computer using the provided cables. Ensure the hardware is properly seated and securely connected. 3. Install the Drivers Extract the Downloaded Package : Extract the contents of the downloaded driver package to a known location. Install Require

Real-Time OS/Frameworks for High-Reliability Applications

Real-Time OS/Frameworks for High-Reliability Applications Real-Time OS/Frameworks for High-Reliability Applications RTEMS (Real-Time Executive for Multiprocessor Systems) Description: A free real-time operating system (RTOS) for embedded systems. Use Cases: Aerospace, military, industrial control systems, and other high-reliability applications. NASA Core Flight System (cFS) Description: A portable, platform-independent framework for developing flight software applications. Use Cases: NASA spacecraft and missions, supporting modularity and reusability in software development. VxWorks Description: A real-time operating system developed by Wind River Systems. Use Cases: Aerospace, defence, automotive, medical devices, and industrial equipment for real-time performance and reliability. FreeRTOS Description: An open-source real-time operating system kernel for embedded devices. Use Cases: Wi

Implementing SpaceWire in a Real-Time Linux Environment

Implementing SpaceWire in a Real-Time Linux Environment Implementing SpaceWire in a Real-Time Linux Environment SpaceWire is a high-speed communication network designed for real-time data handling and communication between spacecraft subsystems. Implementing SpaceWire in a Real-Time Linux environment involves specific options and considerations to ensure optimal performance and reliability. 1. SpaceWire Interface Cards STAR-Dundee STAR-Dundee offers a range of SpaceWire interface cards compatible with Linux, including real-time Linux. Their drivers and APIs support various real-time operations, making them a popular choice for aerospace applications. 4Links 4Links provides SpaceWire interfaces that can be integrated with Linux systems. They offer support for real-time applications through custom drivers, ensuring that your SpaceWire communication remains reliable and efficient. 2. Real-Time Linux Distributions PREEMPT_R

Basic Cubesat components

  Example Integration of a CubeSat with GNSS capabilities An example integration of these building blocks could look like this: Structure and Deployment : A 1U, 2U, or 3U CubeSat frame with deployable solar panels and antennas. Power : Solar panels connected to a power distribution unit that charges the battery pack. Command & Data Handling : A central command and control unit managing the CubeSat’s operations and interfacing with the GNSS receiver. Communication : A transceiver connected to a deployable antenna for ground communication. GNSS : A GNSS receiver module connected to a GNSS antenna mounted on the CubeSat frame. ADCS : Sensors and actuators integrated with the OBC for attitude determination and control. Thermal Control : Coatings and heaters ensure components stay within operational temperatures. Software : Embedded flight software on the OBC handling mission operations and GNSS data processing. Payload : GNSS receiver providing real-time position and timing data for na

RTEMS

We want to install RTEMS on our Linux LXDE Desktop (kernel 4.5) that has kernel Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS. 1.  it was needed to install curl.

First steps

First, we need to see every part of our goal in detail. There should be a parallel action around that. We cannot wait for every one of them to shape. Our first and crucial step involves developing an FPGA board, a critical component that controls and commands other instruments within the system.  LAUNCHER: It's crucial to understand and plan for NASA's launching limits. Early planning and a robust setup are essential. We must be mindful of the formal licensing requirements, such as RF band and remote licensing, and the necessary tests, like vibration testing. This will ensure that the CubeSat can demonstrate a smooth deployable release. A lot of USA travel is needed, so we plan to find alternative options instead of thinking about NASA and travelling to the USA.  There are alternative launchers available; check this post about where to launch. Let's prepare our board after learning about the launch and what is needed. I have already started looking into the FPGA we can use;

Plan

 Like any mountain climber, we need a plan, equipment, foundation, and a company that makes the journey pleasant to reach the goal. PLAN As we embark on this journey, it's crucial that we allow ourselves enough time. I am currently working on a timeline that will ensure we have the necessary resources and preparations in place.  I consider launching a CubeSat in space the first BIG milestone to prove we know what it takes. This first milestone is important because we can understand first-hand and adjust and correct our course for the next steps. Q4 2025: Launch - the start of the beta version Version 0.0 Q4 2026: Third customer - start of  Version 1.0 Q4 2027: End-to-end mission management and procurement. 

Creating modular compliant CubeSats

Sometimes, we just need to say what we want to achieve. It's like a mountain climber who defines the end goal. I want to be on top of Mount Everest. The goal for digital is "creating modular compliant CubeSats." Remember, our end goal is to create modular compliant CubeSats ready to launch. This is what we're all working towards.  How we can do that there are many steps to do: First of all, we need to know what mean from every one of the above words.

Where can you start launching

Alternative CubeSat Launch Providers Alternative CubeSat Launch Providers If you don't like to launch in the USA due to whatever reason, you can certainly find alternatives, but it is likely to cost you more. Rocket Lab (New Zealand) Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is a popular choice for CubeSat launches. It operates from New Zealand and has conducted numerous successful missions, including shifting NASA's storm-monitoring CubeSat launches to avoid conflicts with other launches. More information can be found on their official website . Arianespace (Europe) Arianespace offers multiple launch vehicles for CubeSats, including the Vega and the new Ariane 6, which successfully conducted its maiden flight in July 2024. These rockets provide a reliable option for launching small satellites and CubeSats from European launch sites. More information can be found on their official website . ISRO (India) The Indian Space R

Cubesat from origin, standard and workshops

CubeSat Workshops CubeSat Workshops In 1999, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) professor Jordi Puig-Suari and Bob Twiggs, a professor at Stanford University Space Systems Development Laboratory, developed the CubeSat specifications to promote and develop the skills necessary for the design. Workshop Archive Explore our extensive archive of workshop materials. All materials are available for download and viewing. Access Archive Material YouTube Channel Watch our workshop videos on our YouTube channel. Visit YouTube Channel CubeSat Specifications Find the CubeSat specifications to understand the standards and guidelines. View CubeSat Specifications