CubeSat Re-Entry Experimental System Testbed C.R.E.S.T. STK 11 This software is an orbital simulator that allows the user to examine the flight path of a satellite around the earth. Using different magnitudes for the parameters allows the user to see how it affects the orbit. This software will be used to determine a initial re-entry position. 2-D Re-Entry Trajectory Simulation A code has a been created by Derrick Tetzman that will be used for this project. It optimizes a trajectory using inputs from the user. The inputs will be from the characteristics of the CubeSat. It displays the heat flux, heat load, entry velocity, and approximate landing zone. Re-entry details the specific secondary-objective of a spacecraft being capable of entering and passing through Earth’s atmosphere without burning up or being destroyed in the process, as this is crucial for the craft’s recovery. What is “Re-Entry?”Programs in-use The purpose of CREST is to successfully re-enter a cube satellite through earth’s atmosphere. It must survive re-entry to be pave the way for future missions throughout the world. It would create a pathway for the execution of low-cost experiments for students and researchers alike to bring satellites back to earth for studying and research purposes. Goal The running concept of the aerodynamic shape of the cube satellite is a semi-spherical design to increase the ballistic coefficient of the CubeSat during re-entry, the higher the ballistic coefficient the lower the heat load. Top View Side View Isometric View What is “Re-Entry?” Launch to the International Space Station The CubeSat will be launched to the International Space Station via rocket. Launch from the ISS The ISS will then launch the CubeSat into low earth orbit with an eccentric orbit so the time to re-entry will be short and so a de-orbit device does not need to be installed. Orbit The CubeSat will enter a highly eccentric orbit around earth from the ISS. This will allow the CubeSat to de-orbit and enter the initiation of atmospheric re-entry. The eccentricity number will be beyond 0.9 indicating a highly eccentric orbit. Atmospheric Re-Entry After a certain amount of time the CubeSat will re-enter into the earth. Earth re-entry begins at 68 miles from the surface. Once the CubeSat attains this altitude it will orient itself in a specific direction thereby forcing a calculated flight path angle. Landing The heat shield portion of the CubeSat will also act as impact absorbing shield. Once the CubeSat hits the ground it will absorb the impact from the landing, approximately 180 to 250 G’s, by flattening upon impact. The heat shield will be accommodated with a underlying honeycomb structure for this exact purpose. Recovery This mission is for the CubeSat to simply survive atmospheric re- entry. Recovery is not the primary concern. The CubeSat will send a ping to a radio transceiver and will also send the statistics of its current condition. The condition will be determined by sensors embedded in the heat shield. CREST Procedure Heat Shield The heat shield will be a carbon phenolic in the shape of a semi- sphere. An integrated structure will allow the CubeSat will absorb the impact energy created when the CubeSat hits the ground. Heat Shield Embedded Sensors These sensors will store the data collected from re-entry and using this data the conditions will be known for a CubeSat re-entry vehicle. What is “Re-Entry?” Analytical Graphics Inc. for allowing us to use their STK 11 software to develop and observe a satellite in orbit around the earth. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for allowing us to use their ROCETS software to understand the effects of a rocket on the CubeSat when it is launched to the International Space Station. Created by: James Parkus, Chris Pape Acknowledgements