Cansat, satellite in a soda can

• Main Author: Koh, Guang Cheng.
• Other Authors: Ling Keck Voon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Satellite telecommunication
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52966
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this thesis, it fully document how a CanSat is being developed from nothing to a complete prototype. CanSat is a program initiated since 1999. It aims to educate people who are interested in building their own nano-satellite. The primary mission was mainly to gather some data from the surrounding like the temperature, pressure, acceleration, location data, etc. Images can also be captured with a camera installed on the CanSat. In 2001, a new mission was being introduced at the annual CanSat competition. The participating teams need to come up with solutions on how to retrieve their CanSats after they have been launched up into the sky. The method adopted in this thesis is the “fly-back” CanSat. By attaching a parafoil to the CanSat, an autonomous landing system can be developed. This is because the parafoil is easier to maneuver than other methods. Many tests were conducted and results obtained were being analysed to devise an ideal algorithm for the system. Finally, the thesis will be concluded with recommendations for future works. Throughout the each and every phase, many problems were faced during the development of the autonomous landing system for the CanSat. However, due to the highly approachable students and staffs in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), solutions were found and doubts were cleared promptly.