Welcome to the Satellite Series by Space Ops Australia. This is Lesson 1 of many lessons that will guide any young students with an interest in satellites and space in general to develop experience through hands on activities.

Lesson 1 - Define what is a satellite.

A satellite is an object that orbits or ‘circles around another object such as the moon rotating around the Earth. The Earth is a ‘satellite’ of the Sun at the center of the Solar System. But as humans, we make artificial satellites. The Moon is a ‘natural satellite’ that is considered over 4.5 billion years old. Where as most artificial satellites, at most are over 80 years old with the oldest known satellite still in orbit, the Vanguard 1.

For these lessons, we will focus on artificial satellites. These satellites all have a purpose to exist and generally, all satellites flown have a certain amount of functionality to perform it’s duties.

The purpose of the satellite will affect the onboard requirements or needs of the functionality of the satellite. But almost all satellites needs a basic set of functionalities.

Power - onboard batteries or energy generation system to keep computers on.
Communication - a system to send or receive information to and from Earth.
Computer - the computer drives the operations of the satellite.
Propulsion - an engine to move and steer the satellite.
Sensors - to measure the environmental condition of the satellite but can also be the payload.
Structure - the physical container and mechanical design of the satellite to hold all these components together and survive the harsh conditions of space.
Payload - the primary instrument that drive the purpose of the satellite. For example a camera used to capture pictures of the Earth.

Our Micro:bit Picosat almost has all the functionalities. We are missing a propulsion engine. Propulsion engines are hard to come by and can be dangerous depending on the type of design.

Labelled diagram of components of the Micro:bit and Sensor Module #1

The Picosat has two AAA batteries to turn the Micro:bit and the sensors on.

The Micro:bit has onboard Bluetooth or radio for wirless communication. This is important because it’s just not possible to connect the ground station on Earth to the satellite over a distance of 300km and further for most satellites.

The Micro:bit is the computer which allows us to program what to do.

The Micro:bit has sensors onboard that can measure how much force is experienced by the Picosat, it can also measure the direction with the onboard compass. There is also an onboard temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the computer.

The structure for the Picosat is PETG. The design and shape follows the standard of a cube shape whilst the designed slots are purposed for weight reduction. To reach space, it will cost money. How much money depends on how much mass you want to fly to space. The less mass your satellite, the cheaper the fly to space.

Finally, the Picosat carries our sensor module that will act as the payload. The payload is what defines the satellite’s job will be. All the functions mentioned before are there to support the payload. Our Sensor Module #1 measures humidity, solar intensitiy and Methane gas. This makes it an atmospheric environmental sensor.

The Picosat’s external frame. Typical satellites will we made of metal such as aluminium and also be covered with solar panels. Triangular cut outs to reduce mass.

Micro:bit Picosat Series - Satellites Series - Lesson 1