John Bailey holds a 1U structural model. Sequoia - Stanford

1. Background and Motivation

The high cost and long development time of single-purpose CubeSats present a barrier to rapid innovation. This thesis addresses this challenge through a conceptual design study for a modular, reconfigurable 3U CubeSat platform. The core vision is to develop a single, adaptable satellite “bus” architecture where subsystems and payloads can be logically configured to support missions across three distinct domains: Internet of Things (IoT) relay, Earth Observation (EO), and Communication (Comms). The goal is not to build a flight model, but to create a comprehensive digital prototype and system design that demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of this approach.

2. Thesis Objectives

The primary goal is to create a detailed system design and a parametrized digital model for a reconfigurable 3U CubeSat. The work is purely analytical and design-oriented, focusing on:

1. Mission Analysis and System Requirements: Conduct a literature review to identify the key performance metrics (e.g., data volume, power budget, downlink rate, pointing accuracy) that drive subsystem selection for IoT, EO, and Comm missions.

2. Subsystem Definition and Sizing: Based on the key metrics, define the conceptual requirements and specifications for the main bus components (On-Board Computer, Electrical Power System, Attitude Determination and Control System, Communication System) for each mission type.

3. Development of a Configurable CAD Master Model: Create a parametrized 3D model of the 3U CubeSat structure in SolidWorks. This model will serve as a digital twin to exemplify how different subsystem configurations and payloads can be integrated.

4. Interface Standardization Proposal: Propose standardized mechanical and electrical interface concepts for the payload bay and internal components to facilitate the theoretical reconfigurability of the platform.

3. Tasks and Methodology

• Literature Review: Research state-of-the-art CubeSat missions to compile a database of key parameters and derive representative requirements for each mission type.

• System Architecture Trade-Off: Analyze how mission requirements flow down to subsystem choices. For example, contrast the need for a high-performance OBC with EdgeAI capabilities for EO against the low-power communication system suitable for IoT.

• Exemplary CAD Modeling (Digital Prototype): Using SolidWorks, the student will:

  • Start from existing open-source CubeSat models.

  • Create a master 3U assembly with configurable features to demonstrate how the structure adapts to different components.

  • Model representative, placeholder components for each mission type to visualize the concept.

• Documentation: Compile all findings, system specifications, and the design rationale into a final thesis report, presenting the conceptual platform design and its configurable SolidWorks model.

4. Student Profile and Prerequisites

I am looking for a highly motivated student in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

• Essential:

  • Proven proficiency in SolidWorks (as demonstrated in the interview).

  • Strong analytical skills for system-level engineering and requirement derivation.

  • A structured and independent way of working.

• Advantageous:

  • Basic knowledge of spacecraft systems and subsystems (e.g., ADCS, EPS, COMMS).

  • Interest in system design and the NewSpace sector.

5. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application to julius.pinsker@faps.fau.de including:

1. Current transcript of records (grades).

2. A concise CV (1 page).

3. A short passage (max. 300 words) on “My Initial Approach to a Conceptual Design of a Reconfigurable CubeSat Platform.”

For the Interview:
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. They are expected to demonstrate their SolidWorks skills live. I suggest candidates prepare by downloading and familiarizing themselves with an open-source CubeSat model (see suggested links below) and bringing a laptop with SolidWorks installed to perform a simple modeling task on the spot.

Suggested Preliminary Reading for Applicants

1. Stanford Sequoia on GitHub: A practical example of an open-source CubeSat project, focusing on systems architecture.

   • Link: https://github.com/stanford-ssi/Sequoia

2. Open-Source satellite-to-ground laser communication: The paper presents the open-source bus design, intended for future mission reuse

   • Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.20014

3. Open-Source 1U CubeSat Model (GitHub): A direct link to a simple, open-source SolidWorks model, ideal for the interview test.

   • Link: https://github.com/schu-lab/Solidworks-1U-Cubesat

4. CubeSat Design Specification (CDS): The essential standard document that defines the physical and mechanical interfaces of a CubeSat.

   • Link: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf

I look forward to receiving your innovative applications.

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