NASA Ames Suborbital Flight Communication

While the barriers to space flight have been reduced, one large hurdle still remains for those seeking to conduct research in space: communications. We seek to remove this barrier by using satellite phone modules to give cube satellites access to a constant internet connection, allowing them to stream data to earth without the need for users to apply for frequency licenses or to use prohibitively expensive equipment.

Additionally, our project looks to solve the current lack of recoverablility of satellites. Through the development of a Tube Deployed Re-entry Vehicle (TDRV), we will allow satellites a means of surviving re-entry so that equipment can be reused, or physical samples collected.

=Problem Definition=

Specifications
This project shall develop the hardware and software required to achieve a live network connection from a cube satellite in low earth orbit to a remote ground-based server using the Iridium Core 9523 satellite communication module.

This project shall also further develop and optimize the Tube Deployed Re-entry Vehicle, a three-stage re-entry vehicle launched from an orbital payload at the Von Karman altitude.

=Design=

Mechanical Design
The design of the project's mechanical components is currently unknown.

Electrical Design
The design of the project's electrical components is currently unknown.

Software Design
The design of the project's software components is currently unknown.

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=