The myPocketQub project

That’s right, we’re building a satellite, and it’s one of the smallest ever to be flown at 5x5x5cm.  It’s called the PocketQub and we have a launch lined up for October – that’s right, this October!

We are working hard to finalise the specification but in the next 4 months we need YOU, the UKSEDS faithful, to help us out.  We need small groups of volunteers from across the UK to help develop the hardware and software we need to fly our satellite.  Here’s the lowdown; a PocketQub is:

• 5x5x5cm
• 125g
• Carries a radio which we hope will be allowed to use amateur radio frequencies
• Uses Arduino microprocessors for both on-board computing and to run student-built projects
• Will carry additional payloads, including a camera

We need volunteers to work with the UKSEDS committee over the summer to build, test and integrate the hardware, and build all of the software we will need to run the spacecraft.  Tasks will be available in the following areas:

• On-Board Computer – monitoring the spacecraft status, data transfer to and from the radio, control of the payload computer
• Payload – A CMOS camera and dedicated payload computer based on the Arduino microprocessor to run student-built projects
• Peripherals and sensors – thermal sensors and large-scale memory storage (using microSD cards)
• PCB development – Layout, population and testing of the circuit boards supporting the components
• Radio – integration with the Arduino OBC

So, hopefully that has piqued your interest!  Now you’ll want to know how you can get involved!  Firstly, don’t worry if you have exams and coursework deadlines at the moment – we’ve all been there or are there ourselves right now – we still want to hear from you though, so send us an email to committee@ukseds.org as soon as possible, let us know

• What university or school you are at
• What year you are in
• Any technical skills you have

And we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks!

[Update] We’re on twitter!