Solis 1 is my custom-built CanSat project, designed to fit all the main systems of a small satellite inside a compact cylindrical enclosure.
The CanSat measures approximately:
- 64 mm in diameter
- 110 mm tall
The project includes a custom flight computer PCB, a lightweight enclosure, onboard software, a recovery system and a ground station.
The aim of Solis 1 is to create a compact and system that can collect data during a test flight, transmit information back to the ground and safely return for recovery.
The main goals of the project are to:
- Design a fully custom flight computer
- Fit the complete system inside the CanSat enclosure
- Collect and store flight data
- Transmit data to a ground station
- Create a lightweight but strong structure
- Test the CanSat through multiple ground and flight tests
- Learn more about PCB design, electronics, programming and engineering
The outside structure is designed to protect the electronics while keeping the CanSat lightweight and easy to assemble.
The design includes mounting points for the flight computer, battery and other internal parts. It will also allow the CanSat to be opened for maintenance, testing and repairs.
The Solis 1 flight computer is a custom PCB designed specifically for this project.
It will connect the main electronics together and reduce the amount of loose wiring inside the CanSat. The PCB is being designed to be compact, organised and easy to test.
The schematic shows how the components on the flight computer are connected together
The board is designed to fit inside the Solis 1 enclosure while leaving enough space for mounting holes, connectors and other internal parts.
I even included some really nice graphics on the back
Here you can see the bom for Solis 1
This includes the outer enclosure, internal mounts, PCB supports and recovery-system parts. The design needs to be compact, lightweight and strong enough to protect the electronics during testing and landing.
Once the first version of Solis 1 has been assembled, it will go through several stages of testing.
These will include checking the electronics, testing the software, confirming that the ground station receives data and making sure the enclosure protects the internal components.
The results from each test will be used to improve future versions of the CanSat.