Week 15

System Integration

Part1: Project Idea Sketch

What is EDUCANSAT?

A CanSat (short for Can-Satellite) is a miniature satellite built to fit within the size of a standard soda can (350-500ml). It is commonly used in educational settings to introduce students to space technology, satellite communication, and telemetry systems in a hands-on, cost-effective way.

Key Features of a CanSat

📡 Real-World Applications

CanSats provide experience in data collection, telemetry, and satellite operations.
🛠️ Modular & Scalable

CanSats use real satellite principles but on a smaller scale, making them affordable and practical for students.
🚀 Launch & Recovery

CanSats are deployed using rockets, drones, or balloons to simulate real satellite missions. In my case I will use a ballon for deploy
Hands-on experience

Hands-on experience with electronics, sensors, programming, 3d design and data transmission

🛰️ CanSat Full Design

This is the preliminary design of the CanSat, including its modular structure and essential components. The design follows a compact form factor to fit within a standard soda can, ensuring lightweight and efficient deployment.

Cansat Module Structure

A compact satellite-in-a-can that collects and transmits data, including

Temperature
Air Pressure
Humidity
GPS Location
Air Quality & UV Radiation

Designed with modular construction, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and component replacement.

Cansat Ground Station

The Ground Station is a 3D-designed system that enables visualization of all environmental variables measured by the CanSat. It provides real-time tracking of the CanSat’s location in the field, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis.

List of Components

This table describes the key components used in the EDUCANSAT CanSat system and their corresponding functions.

Component	Function
ESP32	Main microcontroller for processing and communication.
BMP280 / BME280	Measures atmospheric pressure and temperature.
DHT22	Measures humidity and temperature.
MQ-135	Detects air quality and gas concentration levels.
GUVA-S12SD	UV sensor for measuring ultraviolet radiation.
MPU6050	Gyroscope and accelerometer for motion detection.
GPS Module NEO-6M	Provides real-time location tracking.
LoRa SX1278	Long-range wireless communication module.
Micro SD Card Module	Stores sensor data for later analysis.
LiPo Battery	Provides power to the entire system.
Boost Converter	Regulates voltage levels for stable operation.
Mini Parachute	Ensures safe descent and landing.
Buzzer Module	Audio feedback for alerts and status indication.
PLA / ABS 3D Printing Filament	Used to fabricate the structural components.

System Diagram

This diagram shows the primary system configuration for my CanSat prototype, integrating the ESP32-S3 core with UV sensor, GPS, LoRa communications and onboard power. Due to energy constraints, only the GPS and communications modules may be retained in flight; if power use remains too high, the LoRa module will be replaced by an SD-card module to locally log all flight data.