Project Management

Team Enrollment

ADCNS

The Attitude Determination, Control, and Navigation Subsystem (ADCNS) executes the relative navigation that will be used for CUSat's in-orbit inspection procedures. CUSat will primarily be using three GPS boards for attitude determination. For attitude control, CUSat will be using pulsed-plasma thrusters (PPTs) and torque coils. The software portion of ADCNS will consist of the relative navigation algorithms, which will run the various modes of operation defined by the CONOPs.

Flight Operations

The Flight Operations team defines the detailed, on orbit operations plan for both CUSat satellites. Operating procedures are defined to match with hardware and mission specifications and help ensure successful execution of the mission.

Ground Systems

Ground Systems encompasses both the ground stations that communicate with the satellites using amateur radio, and InControl, the software used in the mission control center. Currently, there are ground stations in Ithaca, NY and on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands.

Systems

The CUSat Satellite project employs Systems Engineering extensively. The Systems group is largely responsible for providing the project with direction by creating top level system requirements, creating best practices, maintaining communications, making design choices, and creating processes for creating a successful product. Each of the subsystem leads also participates as a member of the Systems group, which allows the project to maintain consistency and focus.

InControl Development

The InControl-Dev team develops InControl ground control software for CUSat flight operations. This includes interfacing between ground systems, implementing software that allows for easy control and communication with both satellites, and supporting mission operators.