Start a Discussion Topic2009 Summer Bridge - Small-Satellite Program (Kumu A'o, Kukui Aerospace Program)
This group is a place for Small-Satellite Program (Kumu A'o, Kukui Aerospace Program) interns to blog about some of their exciting work and play experiences.
Organization: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Department: College of Engineering
Program: Kumu A'o CubeSat Program
Student Interns: Chris Ahuna, Malu Chang, Amanda Kamakea
Supervisors: Jeremy Chan, Amy Blas, Reid Yamura, Jordan Torres
External Website: N/A
Internship Description:
The Kumu A'o CubeSat team consist of undergraduates and graduates who are currently finalizing fabrication on the small satellite. The satellite is to have its expected launch in approximately two years. The University of Hawaii's Small-Satellite Program was founded in order to establish high-technology research and workforce-development infrastructure within the State of Hawaii. The program assists undergraduate students to gain experience in real-world engineering projects. Various experiemental payloads include thermal sensor units and thermal modeling software, geo-referenced imaging, solid-storage microthrusters, and retrodirerctive antenna array technologies.
UH Manoa's small-satellite program began in 2002 with Mea Huaka'i, a standard 1-kg, 10x10x10 cm CubeSat. This CubeSat failed to reach orbit; it carried a UH-designed thermal modeling software. Hokulua, the second CubeSat was developed to test retrodirective antenna array technologies in space. Ho'okele had geo-referenced imaging capabilities, which was able to detect terrestrial-based natural disasters. Ho'okia'i was a combination of the previous three satellites: satellite system bus design experience, retrodirective antennas, and distributed networking concepts. In addition to these, Ho'okia'i researched microthruster technologies for active stabilization.
Over 150 engineering undergraduates have gone through the small-satellite program. Our experiences at the Kumu A'o internship has been but a glimpse at the future of satellites. On a daily basis we spend a portion of time researching about the various systems on satellites. It is important to know background information on satellites in order to design a satellite, however at Kumu A'o the team looks to improve on existing designs, creating a unique and overall better small-satellite. We also learned about proper soldering techniques and familiarized ourselves with the various computer programs including: Satellite Tool Kit (STK), PCB Artist, and SolidWorks. We researched on a few satellites currently orbiting the earth, calculated the line-of-sight time frame, and used the satellite ground station to track and communicate with these satellites.
Kukui Aerospace Program (KAP) is conducted by Dr. Lloyd French, an aerospace engineer who spent approximately 15-20 years as an employee to the NASA JPL division. Every Wednesday and Thursdays, Chris, Amanda, and I join Zach Lee-Ho, Reid Yamura, and Jordan Torres for an intense lecture concerning academic skillsets, problem solving, and technical communication. From compiling our academic team to composing well-written business letters, we acquire the necessary academic skills to become successful engineering undergraduates.