Young engineers work with mentors at AFRL Published March 25, 2011 By Connie Rankin 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Young engineers participating in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Scholar and Phillips Scholar programs have the opportunity to work with AFRL mentors on different projects during their summer at the laboratory. Eighteen students, ranging from juniors in high school to graduate students in engineering, were tasked to develop components that could be used for CubeSats, which are recognized as key elements of a satellite portfolio. The components include micro-satellite platforms for use as operational systems, testbeds, or learning tools for young engineers. One of the groups' designs was a gas propulsion system used to change orbits, or stay in a certain orbit and orbit positioning. The design uses carbon dioxide cartridges, like those at your local sporting goods store, with control valves and generic plumbing to provide distribution to the nozzles. An electric conducting bar or a separate control card provides the control. This design was simulated and a three-dimensional model provided a level of confidence that the idea would work. Another idea used a deployable reflector array to focus solar energy onto a sterling engine that operates at different temperature levels to provide electrical energy. The idea was simulated and multiple models were created by the group until they found one that could be used with the CubeSat. "While the sterling engine might not be the final conversion mechanism, the deployable concentrator idea may have merit on its own, "said Keith Avery, mentor and Integrated Microsystems program manager with AFRL's Space Electronics Branch. A third component was an attitude-control module, which consists of equipment to measure, report and change the direction, for a CubeSat system. The system is a set of three nested rings, one spinning on each axis of the satellite. The combination of all three rings rotating and producing counterbalancing torque keeps the satellite stable or can change the satellite's direction. This system uses limited space and is lightweight, at only 0.5 kilograms. "Once again, modeling and simulation was used as proof that the idea will work," said Mr. Avery. "A patent was filed for the idea, which was a real accomplishment for the student." Other ideas and developments came from the students, including a miniature camera, a passive de-orbit module, power management and active controls. Some students engaged in other engineering endeavors, such as developing radio systems, working on weather sensors and testing components for space. The primary goal was to provide solid engineering experience using real-world examples. The students also learned about teamwork and the process of engineering for a real-world application. "If these students are an example of our future, the future looks very bright," said Mr. Avery.