Projects

Debris Object Capture Kinetic Engagement Rendezvous System was a satellite design project where 7 multidisciplinary teams came together to design and optimize a satellite meant to remove key debris from orbit. The namesake takes one part of every previous team's name. We split ourselves up into 3 main teams: Mission & System Ops, Navigation & Control, and Bus & Payload. I was a member of the Bus & Payload team, and led the Thermal and Ionizing Radiation Control subteam, alongside providing design verification for the Payload Design subteam.

My primary contribution was the creation of a rapid thermal analysis software. Using first principles, I connected my knowledge of radiative heat transfer with linear algebra, algorithmically solving for the orthographically projected area of our satellite and the radiation source. This enabled me to rapidly test various designs and operational attitudes, maintaining an operating temperature range of 20°C-60°C and saving significant time in hand calculations, giving me flexibility throughout the dynamic design process.

I structurally validated our payload, two robotic arms, by analyzing calculations, performing risk mitigation and budget calculations, and ensuring coordination with other subteams. I also managed orbital decay calculations, communications transmission, CAD modeling, 3D print prototyping, and branding of our project. 

Working with the company Blue Frontier, I coordinated test points and ensured that their desiccant enhanced indirect evaporative cooler was tested in a variety of load conditions. Setting up the testing chamber and controlling the environment to the test points, I worked closely with the CTO of BlueFrontier, allowing our approach to evolve and shift with our discoveries, and overcoming a constrained timeline due to COVID-19 related delays.

This is a 3D printed projector stand made for this projector. It is designed to be collapsible for easy storage, and low profile to ensure vents and ports remain unobstructed. Despite the collapsible design, the load distribution ensures durabilit yand stability. Previously the client was using an unstable stack of books to prop it up.