Lessons From the Inaugural Satellite Design Challenge

Abstract

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.