DEVELOPMENT OF PICOSATELLITE MECHANICAL PLATFORM AND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

• Main Author: REYNALD (NIM : 13214091), BRIAN
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/26152
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

<p align="justify"> <br /> <br /> Picosatellite is a type of satellite with small size and maximum mass of 1 kg. With a small mass, picosatellite has advantages because it can be built at a low cost and also needs much cheaper launching cost. Common applications of picosatellite are for remote sensing and as the relay station for amateur radio communication. <br /> <br /> In developed countries, the role of universities and research institutes in the development of picosatellites is very significant. Unfortunately in Indonesia, the role of universities and research institutes in the development of picosatellite is still low. Here, the picosatellite simulator was developed as an effort to motivate the public about the importance of satellite technology. <br /> <br /> The objective of picosatellite simulator is to demonstrate the attitude control processes of the actual picosatellite system in this case by using reaction wheels. In order to better represent the environment in space, the picosatellite simulator is equipped with air bearing suspension system and Helmholtz coils. <br /> <br /> The reaction wheels serve to regulate the attitude of the picosatellite simulator through rotation that produces angular momentum. By modifying the angular momentum, the center of mass of the picosatellite simulator can change directions perpendicular to the rotation axis. <br /> <br /> The air suspension system aims to produce minimum frictional force conditions. The Helmholtz coils serve to generate a magnetic field to mimic the effects of the earth's magnetic field as a reference for the attitude control. <br /> <br /> In order to communicate with picosatellite simulator, a communication protocol that connects the user to picosatellite simulator is required. The data exchange is protected with a security system so that the system is not easily hacked by unauthorized parties. The selected wireless communication is Bluetooth which include AES encryption-decryption, authentication, anti-replay attack, and data integrity. Wireless communication has a role in transmitting input from the user in form of control mode and manual mode data of the attitude angle. Data logging of the picosatellite simulator attitude angle is also facilitated by this wireless communication. <br /> <p align="justify">