CanSat - A Simulation of A Real Satellite

A CanSat is a simulation of a real satellite, integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drink can. The challenge for the students is to fit all the major subsystems found in a satellite, such as power, sensors and a communication system, into this minimal volume.

The CanSat is then launched by a rocket to an altitude of about one kilometer, or dropped from a platform or captive balloon. Then its mission begins. This involves carrying out a scientific experiment, achieving a safe landing, and analyzing the data collected.

CanSats offer a unique opportunity for students to have a first practical experience of a real space project. They are responsible for all aspects:  those sensors and sending it to the base station, situated on the ground.

My team must build a CanSat and program it to accomplish a primary compulsory mission and a secondary one.

The primary mission consists of measuring the following parameters and transmitting the following data as telemetry to the ground station at least one every second:

· Air temperature – BME280 temperature and pressure sensor

· Air pressure – BME280 temperature and pressure sensor

The secondary mission of the CanSat must be selected by the team. We decided on the following:

· Targeted landing using a parafoil – using Servo Motors for steering

· Measure photosynthetic activity with a special camera filter – PTC06 Serial Camera + Infragram Filter

· Gather GPS data (also helpful for targeted landing) – FONA 808

All the data will be transmitted using a LoRa (Long Range) RFM95W Transceiver.