This report presents the design of a 12U Gravimetry CubeSat. Gravimetry Satellites carry sensors that measure gravitational readings over ice caps to map geophysical characteristics and help study climate change. CubeSats provide a cost-effective way to carry on the work of previous gravimetry missions. This 10-year mission uses two satellites at inclinations of 91 and 103 degrees to ensure global coverage. Orbital design was performed using Systems Tool Kit (STK®). A Gradiometer was developed with six high-precision accelerometers. Mechanical design was conducted in SolidWorks and Ansys. An Attitude Determination and Control System alongside an on-board computer and communications system was designed. Power generation, electric propulsion, thermal, and radiation effects were analyzed in STK®. The Polar-Orbiting Gravimetry CubeSat (POGSat) was designed to provide complete global mapping of the Earth’s gravity field every three weeks, with a mission duration of 10 years, a marked improvement from previous gravimetry missions such as GOCE.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Prigge, Ethan
• Piper, Liam

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 119023
• E-project-032024-160858

Stichwort

• Space
• GNC
• CubeSat
• ADCS
• Power

Advisor

• Demetriou, Michael A.

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not Specified

Date created

• 2024-03-20

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Source

• E-project-032024-160858

Rights statement

• In Copyright