Owlsat Proposal
Proposed Design of LiDAR Space Debris Detection in Low Earth Orbit
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Brandon Foose
Noah Cayson
Brysonlee Lemapu
Rowan Parker
Logan Fransico
ENGR 491, Fall 2019
Mechanical Engineering Department
Oregon Institute of Technology
04 November 2019
Proposed Design of LiDAR Space Debris Detection in Low Earth Orbit
Brandon Foose
Noah Cayson
Brysonlee Lemapu
Rowan Parker
Logan Fransico
ENGR 491, Fall 2019
Mechanical Engineering Department
Oregon Institute of Technology
04 November 2019
Project Description
Oregon Tech Rocketry and Aerospace (OTRA) is proposing to research and develop the first stage of a multi-year project to investigate solutions to space debris classification, tracking, and removal. This year, OTRA will create a scientific board to be included on a CubeSat. The purpose of this payload is to detect small space debris and log its concentration along the satellite’s orbital path. The following years will focus on further hardware development, creation of testing standards, and, ultimately, an Oregon Tech CubeSat.
Currently, millions of chunks of dead satellites, lost tools, broken parts, and rocket shards are encircling Earth. Collisions with this junk not only make launching new things into space dangerous, but also threaten the lives of astronauts on the International Space Station and the functionality of satellites scattered across Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Furthermore, collisions of smaller pieces with larger chunks could create a chain reaction leading to an impenetrable cloud of fragments around Earth and effectively knocking out space travel and satellite communications for years. Currently, space debris smaller than 10 cm has proven the most difficult to track. OTRA’s satellite program will seek to identify solutions to small space debris classification and tracking using CubeSat technology.
Inspired by Portland State University’s OreSat program, OTRA will model a satellite program around open-sourced resources and inter-collegiate collaboration. Development of the space debris detection science board will allow OTRA to acquire preliminary hands-on skills for satellite construction, bolster student interest, investigate and apply for other grant opportunities, and build connections with industry and other university research programs.
Budget
Proposed Budget
Item
Cost/Unit
Quantity
Cost
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Nickel Alloy
$50.00
2
$100.00
Anodized Aluminium
$15.00
2
$30.00
Microcontroller
$50.00
3
$150.00
Prototype PCB
$50.00
2
$100.00
Custom PCB
$1,000.00
3
$3,000.00
Flash Storage
$25.00
3
$75.00
LIDAR
$2,000.00
2
$4,000.00
Breadboard
$5.00
4
$20.00
3-Axis Accelerometer
$5.00
10
$50.00
Bench top power supply
$75.00
1
$75.00
Acrylic Sheet
$15.00
6
$90.00
Clear Silicone Sealant
$10.00
5
$50.00
Joint Sealant
$10.00
5
$50.00
Copper T-Joint
$10.00
2
$20.00
Copper Tubing
$15.00
1
$15.00
Pressure gauge
$20.00
2
$40.00
Brass Ball Valve
$5.00
2
$10.00
Travel to Portland State University
$600.00
4
$2,400.00
Travel to Oregon State University
$500.00
1
$500.00
Local Travel
$100.00
2
$200.00
Outreach Materials
$1,000.00
1
$1,000.00
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Total
$11,975.00
