FemtoSat
For this project, I planned a scientific mission to Mars and its moons. For the mission, a total of 24 FemtoSats would be sent. In two of the three FPODs, there would be four Dual-cam and four Relay FemtoSats. The designs are discussed more below. Feel free to download my presentation if you are viewing this on desktop and use this page to contact me with questions or comments.
FemtoSat First Draft
In this animation, the FemtoSat is exploded to show its components. The black and gold object represents a 3 megapixel camera. The grey box on top represents the antenna. The blue panels represent the solar panels to power the satellites. Underneath the antenna, the battery and different circuit boards are shown.
Future drafts would include a system for reaction wheels and might include an additional camera to allow stereoscopic imaging of Mars's moons. The empty space within the satellite will be filled with additional scientific tools. The satellites were designed to fit within 3 cm x 3 cm x 9 cm excluding the antenna.
FPOD First Draft
In this animation, the FPOD is exploded to show how the FemtoSats fit in it. The clusters are separated one at a time. The central box is left empty for additional electronics and circuitry.
Additional instruments include: improved positioning instruments, faster communication hardware, and higher capacity batteries.
PPOD Model
This is a rendered image of the first and final PPOD draft. It houses 3 FPODs and uses photovoltaic panels to hold them in place. They are meant to open when the PPOD is oriented properly relative to the FPOD's target destination.
FemtoSat Presentation Drafts
The image with two black circles is the Dual-cam FemtoSat and the other is the Relay FemtoSat. Both have similar components but they have different functions. The Dual-cam was designed to create stereoscopic images of its target, while the Relay was designed to provide information about its position and compare scientific data with the Dual-cam.
