September Newsletter

Overview

September has been a month filled with exciting advancements and remarkable team growth. Our members have demonstrated dedication and perseverance as they pushed forward on various projects, spanning Avionics, Software, Mechanical, and Team Resources.

We were honoured to present at the Engineering Australia Innovation and Space event, where we showcased our ongoing work and achievements. It’s also been a month of welcoming several new members to the team, each contributing to our dynamic and collaborative efforts.

Avionics Advancements

Significant progress has been made in avionics with the GLoBe project ordering their PCBs. The battery management system completing their battery research, completing their fuel guage IC selection and finishing their schematic for their PCB. The FISH project received approval, marking the beginning of another project. The FlatSat model has been created and printed, a crucial project for the testing and integration process. In the communication sub-system, the STARCOMM members have achieved significant milestones by developing their first antenna test PCB, and met with CIRA to learn more about RF designs along with testing their antennas with a VNA. A PCB for the Pulsar board is being finalised and reviewed. This board will contain a front end and RF transceiver used on our upcoming HAB launch and potentially on the CubeSat.

Photo of an Avionics member soldering the antenna test PCB for STARCOMM.

Mechanical Progress

On the mechanical front, significant progress continues with the deployable antenna, where finite element analysis actively accounts for quasistatic acceleration, vibration forces, and fundamental frequencies. The solar panel team is advancing the deployable design, while the HAB chassis development remains a key focus. Both projects are essential to the structural and operational integrity of the CubeSat.

A Finite Element Analysis of the CubeSat chassis.

Team Branding and Engagement

Our Branding team has made significant headway, finalised the new visual identity and curated engaging content for our social media channels. They have also designed and printed a set of team stickers, showcasing our pride in the work we do. The team is diligently working on our website, which will serve as an interactive hub for sharing our projects and engaging with the broader community.

Insert from newly created Brand Guidelines.

Events and Team Building

In terms of events, September saw the team presenting at the prestigious EA Space and Innovation Presentation Night, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work to a wider audience and further strengthen our team’s reputation in the aerospace field. Back on campus, our monthly team meeting was productive and filled with project updates, constitutional amendments, and strategic planning.

Image of PAST attending the EA Space and Innovation Presentation Night.

We were also proud to announce Sam Petrovic, the Mechanical Division Representative, as the team’s member of the month. Over the month, Sam had designed and analysed the CubeSat chassis, created a deployable antenna to be placed on the satellite and personally designed a mount for the components to be placed on our High-Altitude Balloon next year.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, the next few months are packed with even more developments as we continue refining our CubeSat, testing new systems, and growing as a team. Stay tuned for exciting updates shortly!