DEVELOPMENT OF A RECONFIGURABLE PLATFORM FOR A MICROSATELLITE PRODUCTION

Abstract

The process of satellite assemblage, integration and testing is challenging and requires considerable care. Hence, the provision of a support platform which provides easier mechanical mounting and decoupling within a design facility and its sources of mechanical disturbance. The provision of an indigenous low cost platform to cater for microsatellite production in Nigeria is sought and in this research, a partially reconfigurable platform for the production of microsatellites (mass range between 10-100 kg) was developed. The materials used for the fabrication were carefully selected and considerable attention was placed on the overall weight of the platform based on various criteria such as Density, Yield strength, Modulus of elasticity. The Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) for the various parts using Solidworks was done which also involved the design to accommodate the two standardized diameters for launch vehicle adapters for microsatellites. The design calculations necessary for the completion of this work and weight budget analysis was done to determine the final weight of the platform. Analysis System (ANSYS) software was used to validate the structural integrity of the platform under loading conditions. The stress analysis of the platform in vertical position which is most critical loading case was performed. Also, there was no mechanical damage or failure found on the platform. MiniTab statistical software was used to show the statistical relationship between the variables obtained from the testing phase. The procedure adapted for the development of the equipment can be used on the development of similar projects. The developed machine is both manually and mechanically operated. The developed platform has the capacity of carrying a maximum satellite weight of 150 kg at a production cost of N96, 600.