This was a really exciting project centered on creating a system capable of deploying a scientific payload onto a planetary surface. The team’s mission was clear: design a lander that could be released from a planetary delivery system, survive a significant drop, and successfully deploy its payload.

The final goal was to release this system from the 6th floor of a building so that upon reaching the surface, it deployed a scientific payload that made full contact with the "planetary" surface.

Technical Specification

• Parachute System: The descent system utilized a parachute for passive deployment, leveraging air resistance to slow the lander's descent. The parachute, with a diameter of 1.5 meters, was made from mylar sheets and s’getti strings.

• Landing Mechanism: The lander featured three 3D-printed legs designed for stability. These legs were mounted symmetrically at the bottom edge of the lander to ensure an upright orientation upon landing.

• Payload Deployment: A servo motor-operated flap door at the bottom of the lander released the payload five seconds after landing.

Skills Developed

• Project design and fabrication, including the application of NX CAD software.

• Analytical modeling and its application to planetary exploration.

• Spacemission design and implementation.

• Leadership training, including project organization, schedules, budgets and technical report writing.

This project focused on developing a system to protect an MLX90640 IR camera from stray light, solar flux, and other unwanted sources of radiation during operation. The team aimed to create a functional and reliable shutter system that could safeguard the camera in a simulated space environment.

The project involved several iterations of testing emphasizing the importance of iterative improvements and practical problem-solving. The final system was tested in a simulated environment at 5 Torr to ensure it met the necessary requirements for operation in space-like conditions.

Technical Specification

• Camera: MLX90640 IR camera

• Motor: NEMA-8 stepper motor

• Shutter Mechanism: Custom-designed through NX CAD software

• Sensors: 

  • Photoresistor - For detecting the shutter position

  • Switches - Two switches to determine the shutter's open and closed positions

Skills Developed

• Application of NX software for thermal and structural modeling.

• Use of the Space Works additive manufacturing equipment, and the testing of a team project within space-like conditions.

• Training in clean room protocol and electrostatic discharge training.

• Preparation of a Preliminary Design Review document which includes a team presentation.