Weather Imaging CubeSat with Telemetry Transmission

This guide will walk you through building a Weather Imaging CubeSat that captures weather images and transmits telemetry data to ground stations. The CubeSat will include an imaging system for weather observations and a telemetry system for transmitting data.

Components Required

• CubeSat chassis (standard 1U or 3U)
• Imaging system (e.g., camera module with optical lens)
• Telemetry system (e.g., transmitter, receiver, and antenna)
• Microcontroller or flight computer (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• Power supply (e.g., solar panels, batteries)
• Temperature and pressure sensors
• Onboard storage (e.g., SD card)
• Software for telemetry and imaging control

Assembling the Hardware

Follow these steps to assemble the CubeSat:

1. Install the Imaging System

   Mount the camera module onto the CubeSat chassis. Ensure that the camera is securely attached and aligned for optimal imaging performance. Connect the camera module to the flight computer.

2. Set Up the Telemetry System

   Install the transmitter, receiver, and antenna on the CubeSat. Connect these components to the flight computer to facilitate data transmission. Ensure proper orientation of the antenna for effective communication.

3. Integrate Sensors and Power Supply

   Connect the temperature and pressure sensors to the flight computer. Install the solar panels and batteries for power supply, ensuring they are correctly connected to power the CubeSat’s systems.

Programming the Flight Computer

Write code for the flight computer to control the imaging system, collect sensor data, and manage telemetry transmission. Here’s an outline of the code:

                #include <Camera.h>
                #include <Telemetry.h>
                #include <Sensors.h>

                Camera cam;
                Telemetry tx;
                Sensors sensors;

                void setup() {
                cam.begin();
                tx.begin();
                sensors.begin();
                }

                void loop() {
                // Capture image
                cam.captureImage();
                
                // Collect sensor data
                float temperature = sensors.readTemperature();
                float pressure = sensors.readPressure();
                
                // Send telemetry data
                tx.sendData(temperature, pressure);
                
                // Transmit captured image
                tx.sendImage(cam.getImage());

                delay(60000); // Delay for 1 minute before the next loop
                }
            

This code initializes the camera, sensors, and telemetry systems, then captures images and sensor data, and transmits this information at regular intervals.

Testing and Calibration

Before launching, thoroughly test and calibrate the CubeSat systems:

1. Test Imaging System

   Verify that the camera captures clear images and that the image data is correctly transmitted.

2. Check Telemetry Transmission

   Ensure that telemetry data is transmitted accurately and can be received by ground stations.

3. Calibrate Sensors

   Calibrate temperature and pressure sensors to ensure accurate readings.