The Montana Nanosatellite for Science, Engineering, and Technology for the AFRL/NASA University Nanosat Program

Montana State University\u27s interdisciplinary Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) has been selected under the AFRL/NASA University Nanosat Program to design, build, and test an earth orbiting satellite. The Montana Nanosatellite will carry a scientific payload to characterize variations in the energetic charged particle fluxes in the Earth\u27s Geospace environment using newly developed sensors. Recent solid-state sensor developments have opened a new window of access for these low mass low-power detector systems at lower particle energies than previously achievable. Several new technologies are planned for incorporation into the design of the satellite. Among these are the first in orbit application of an elastic memory composite (EMC) mechanism under development by CTD, Inc of Lafayette, CO. An EMC hinge will be used to deploy a solar array wing using thermal energization and without mechanical moving parts. Another technology development includes miniature solid-state magnetoresistive magnetometer devices that will be employed as part of an active magnetic three-axis attitude control system. The satellite will continue ongoing efforts to adopt, for space flight, state-of-the-art, mass produced integrated circuit components and subsystems developed for consumer applications. One specific application of COTS integrated circuits includes the design of a regulated 5 v spacecraft power system using regulators, single -chip DC-DC converters, and control chips developed for cell phones and hand-held computing devices. A standardized Department of Defense deployer system designed for launch from the Space Shuttle Payload Bay allows deployment of up to 25 kg of satellite mass contained within a cylindrical volume of 18.7 diameter and 18.7 height. The project is one of fourteen university projects selected for a two-year design and development cycle culminating in competitive selection for spaceflight in February, 2005. The project puts heavy emphasis on student involvement in all phases of the management and design of the hardware. Partnerships with industrial concerns and government laboratories are actively encouraged. This paper describes the both the technical implementation and design as well as the not inconsiderable task of team organization and management in a fluid environment