Browsing by Author "Oberholzer, Johannes Francois"
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- ItemResource efficient process chain development of a modular CubeSat spaceframe(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Oberholzer, Johannes Francois; Oosthuizen, Gert Adriaan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Southern African Amateur Radio Satellite Association (SA AMSAT) is designing and manufacturing an amateur satellite based on the CubeSat design. The mission of SA AMSAT is to provide Radio Amateurs in Southern Africa with access to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite on as many of the available passes as possible. Rather than acquiring a CubeSat from an established company, they have decided to manufacture the entire satellite themselves and have reached out to the Stellenbosch University to help improve on their current spaceframe prototype. A CubeSat is a 10×10×10 cm cube that can weigh up to 1.33 kg. This design offers a less expensive alternative for space enthusiasts to explore the cosmos, even though the total weight is very limited. For a CubeSat to be allowed to launch, it must adhere to certain specifications outlined in the CubeSat Design Specifications document. This places several restrictions on the satellite in terms of weight, size and centre of gravity, and innovative solutions needs to be explored during integration to meet these specifications. Having a spaceframe that can easily be assembled and disassembled will help smooth out the integration stage and save a lot of time that can now be allocated elsewhere in the development stages. The increasing relevance of resource efficient manufacturing is prevalent through the continually rising costs of resources and energy. In order to stay competitive, one must develop resource efficient process chains to gain an advantage in the market. This study focused on developing a resource efficient process chain to manufacture a modular CubeSat spaceframe. This spaceframe must adhere to the CubeSat Design Specifications, as well as meet all of the customer’s needs. A unique assembly process was designed that eliminated the need for screws structure together. Instead the spaceframe relies on interference fits, and utilizes the unique deployment method of the P-POD to ensure that the assembly does not fail. A material selection procedure was utilized, along with resource efficient manufacturing process chains to develop a CubeSat structure that was very cost effective to produce, was easily assembled and disassembled and weighed less than most of the market leading CubeSat structures.