Objective:

Design a standard sized CubeSat for capturing a decommissioned satellite in orbit as part of Autodesk's Design for Space competition.

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Skills and Tools Used:

• Fusion 360 

• Physical Assembly Modeling

• Motion Studies

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Notable Features:

• Fold-out solar panels also act as the frame of a net for debris capture

• Solid-propellant micro-thrusters for propulsion in the absence of atmosphere

 

Details:

A few years ago Autodesk held one of their Fusion 360 design competitions, this one titled 'Design for Space'. The objective was to design a CubeSat (a standardized small form-factor satellite) capable of capturing a small, decommissioned satellite in orbit.  

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My design featured 6 fold-out solar panels which doubled as the frame of a net for capturing the decommissioned hardware. I also included some models I made of CubeSat ion thrusters, much like those designed by Paulo Lozano and his team.