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Table of Contents
- Table of Contents {:toc}This document includes the purpose, structure, and practical steps for using the testing process and procedural guides for most subsystems such as the following:
- On-Board Computer (OBC)
- Electrical Power System (EPS)
- Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)
- Communications (COM)
- Structural components of BIRDS satellites
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If you would want to contribute to, or work with the BIRDS community to assist in developing this solution, check our Discussions channel on Github or get in touch with us.
The development and deployment of a satellite involve a series of carefully structured phases to ensure the mission's success. From initial concept discussions to final pre-launch verifications, these phases guide teams through designing, building, and testing the satellite to meet stringent space industry standards.
Each phase acts as a checkpoint to confirm that requirements are met and potential risks are mitigated. The following are the phases of a satellite build:
- Mission Definition Review (MDR)
- Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- Critical Design Review (CDR)
- Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
gantt
title Satellite Milestones
dateFormat YYYY-MM-DD
section Mission concept
MDR :milestone, crit, a2, 2014-01-23, 4d
A task :crit, done, a1, 2014-01-20, 9d
section Bus + Payload dev. & testing
PDR :milestone, crit, a3, 2014-02-3, 4d
another task :active, 2014-01-20 , 31d
section EM integration & testing
CDR :milestone, crit, 2014-02-20, 4d
another task : 2014-02-12 , 12d
section Software dev.
FM :milestone, crit, 2014-03-09, 4d
another task :active, 2014-02-03 , 38d
section FM integration & testing
another task :2014-02-26 , 15d
section GS software revision
another task :after a3, 30d
section End-to-End test
another task : 2014-03-01, 13d
section Operation plan
another task : 2014-03-04, 12d
section Freq. coord. IARU
another task : crit, active, after a2, 53d
section Satellite delivery
another task : 2014-03-16,12d
section Launch
another task : 5d
section Operation
another task : 10d
section Disposal
The satellite phases create a structured pathway from conceptualization to launch, with each review and testing stage serving as a critical checkpoint. The MDR sets the scope, the PDR checks the initial design feasibility, the CDR finalizes the detailed design, and FRR ensures that the satellite is robust and mission-ready. This structured approach helps in mitigating risks, ensuring quality, and promoting mission success.
- Software tools:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools for Design: Fusion 360
- Simulation Tools: Thermal desktop, STK for mission analysis
- Programming Languages: C/C++, Python
- Programming Environment: CCS Compiler, MPLAB IDE
- Communication Protocols: UART, SPI
- Hardware tools:
- Microcontrollers/Boards: PIC MCUs, custom PCBs
- Power Systems: Solar panels, battery packs
- Sensing Devices: Magnetometers, gyroscopes for ADCS
- Version Control: Git/ GitHub
Getting Started{: .btn .btn-purple }
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