No abstract

It is very challenging to design complex machines and systems that operate in very difficult remote locations, under largely unknown or uncertain conditions. Specifications for such systems must be extremely detailed and extensive, with input from professionals who have designed such systems before, and who gained considerable experience from their operations. Since much of the operating environment is not known in advance, cognitive informatics and computing should play a critical role in such design and operation. This paper describes such a complex system, the T-Sat1 nanosatellite, including its characteristics, its mission, subsystems, as well as the development of specifications, protocols for verification, testing, launch, early operating procedures, and concepts for nominal operations. Particular attention is given to the formation and maintenance of a team of teams, with a multitude of their interactions. The design teams must focus on the satellite subsystems, assembly, integration and testing. The teams of advisors (from academia, aerospace and other industries, business, military, government, and other organizations such as the radio community) must focus on optimal assistance provided to the corresponding design teams.

The inaugural Canadian Satellite Design Challenge provided many experiential learning opportunities for students through the design, implementation, and testing of the T-Sat1 nanosatellite.The University of Manitoba team elected to build all components from the ground up in order to develop many technical and non-technical skills that complement the classroom experience.The first phases of the project focused on the definition of requirements, specifications, and interfaces. Then, the team began prototyping, implementing, and integrating subsystems. Finally, the spacecraft was tested at the Canadian Space Agency laboratories in Ottawa and obtained second place overall in the competition.This paper describes some of the major lessons from the implementation, integration, and testing phases of the project. In addition, some insight is provided as to the ongoing changes for the second iteration of the competition that aim at improving the experience and performance of the satellite.