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Category:Satellites (view source)
Revision as of 22:52, 14 September 2023
, 22:52, 14 September 2023→Sapling Giganteum: 2022–2023: Continued to update Sapling-2 description
In addition to incremental but critical improvements to the internal electronics of the satellite, Sapling-2 featured a number of major changes from the design of Sapling-1. The first iteration of the (name for the sheet metal structure) debuted on this satellite. This structure, made of off-the-shelf aluminum cut with a CNC and bent into precise shape before being anodized, lowered material costs and allowed for rapid prototyping. An evolution of this structure is being created for the SAMWISE satellite and will underpin all missions in the near future.
In addition to incremental but critical improvements to the internal electronics of the satellite, Sapling-2 featured a number of major changes from the design of Sapling-1. The first iteration of the (name for the sheet metal structure) debuted on this satellite. This structure, made of off-the-shelf aluminum cut with a CNC and bent into precise shape before being anodized, lowered material costs and allowed for rapid prototyping. An evolution of this structure is being created for the SAMWISE satellite and will underpin all missions in the near future.
Sapling-2 also showcased an advanced attitude determination and control system (ADCS) featuring magnetorquer coils positioned on each of the six faces of the satellite.
Sapling-2 also showcased an advanced attitude determination and control system (ADCS) featuring magnetorquer coils positioned on each of the six faces of the satellite. When activated, the magnetic field created by these coils interacts with the Earth's magnetic field and generates a torque on the satellite, allowing for rotation around all three axes. This could be used to de-tumble the satellite after deployment and for pointing of the Google Coral camera.
On June 18th, 2023, Sapling-2 stopped sending telemetry. While the precise cause is unknown, it is likely that a solar storm which occurred around that time disabled the satellite. Prior to its shutdown the satellite was in good health, with a high state of charge and in a nominal temperature range.
=== ''Sapling'' ''Sempervirens'': 2020–2023 ===
=== ''Sapling'' ''Sempervirens'': 2020–2023 ===