Team: 51
School: AIMS@UNM
Area of Science: Engineering
Proposal: ​When a satellite is deployed into space, it has a finite quantity of propellant that is used to counteract drag and keep a satellite’s orbit from degrading. Without methods to replenish expelled propellent, it is important to minimize its release to preserve the satellite’s lifetime. Propellant is commonly consumed to dodge space debris that can cause serious damage at high velocities to functioning satellites. In order to prevent damage from space debris to the satellite and its mission, orbital maneuvers are necessary, but they can be executed without propellant. The goal of this project is to find a separating and reintegration mechanism triggered by an onboard detection system that can execute propellantless orbital maneuvers. The duties for this project include designing, building, and testing a separating and rejoining prototype, as well as applying a hemispherical sensing system to detect space debris and determine if it is going to collide with the satellite and respond accordingly.
Team Members:
Sponsoring Teacher: Creighton Edington