Projects

We are always looking for new members and sponsors. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about the project or getting involved in this unique competition. We are happy to sponsor student projects, and encourage integration within the UVic or other post-secondary instituion curriculum.

HELIOS

The HELIOS team, has designed, built, and tested the power subsystems required by the UVic ECOSat team, who are designing a miniature satellite for the Canadian Satellite Design Competition. The power subsystem includes microprocessor controlled optimization of power generation from the solar cells, intelligent charging and cell balancing of the lithium-ion batteries, and voltage regulation for power distribution to the satellite. ECOSat's power requirements consist of three voltage rails at 15V, 5V, and 3.3V having ampacities of 2A, 3A, and 3A respectively. Two solar panels, each consisting of 7 cells in series, will provide a nominal voltage of 17.5V and a peak power of 7 Watts per panel. Four lithium-ion battery cells will store excess energy generated from the two solar panels and will discharge when the satellite power demands exceed the power generated by the solar panels.

ECOSat PCB Fabrication and Component Selection

The PCB Fab and Selection team, has analyzed, and designed the system in order to mitigate potential electrical faults and possible worst case scenario failures due to the space environment. The primary issue which has arisen is the growth of tin whiskers, from tinned component leads. Tin whiskers are electrically conductive, crystalline structures of tin that sometimes grow from surfaces where tin (especially electroplated tin) is used as a final finish.  Tin whiskers have been observed to grow to lengths of several millimeters (mm) and in rare instances to lengths in excess of 10 mm.

ECOSat Communications Subsystem: RF Division