Problem Statement
System Design
MATLAB
Test Stand Design
Stewart Platform Design
Mock Satellite Design
FEA
BOM
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ARGOS

ARGOS (Advanced Robotic Gimbal & Orbital Simulator) is a test stand that simulates three rotational degrees of freedom on a mock satellite, enabling realistic evaluation of satellite dynamics and control algorithms. As Lead Structures Engineer, I designed and evaluated the stand and satellite, implementing a Stewart platform with a continuous rotary actuator to achieve ±40° roll and pitch and continuous yaw. This platform provides a repeatable, high-fidelity environment for research on approaching and docking with tumbling satellites.
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Seth Busche

Project Timeline

Aug 2024 - Current

HighlightS

  • Designed and validated the structural layout for both the test stand and mock satellite to safely support loads up to 110 N, achieving a system factor of safety of ~4.
  • Designed and implemented a Stewart platform with a continuous rotary actuator, providing ±40° roll and pitch and continuous yaw with a precision of 3600 arcseconds.
  • Evaluated critical components, including linear actuators, to ensure a factor of safety of ~30 and durability for 2,000 hours of operation without fatigue failure.
  • Conducted FEA and hand calculations to verify structural integrity under dynamic loads.
  • Delivered a high-fidelity, repeatable simulation platform for research on approaching and docking with tumbling satellites.

SKILLS

Fusion 360
ANSYS
Structural Analysis
MATLAB
Hand Calculations
DFM
Trade Studies

Problem Statement

Current satellites are not reusable, and recovery is costly. As end-of-life satellites accumulate, space debris poses increasing risks to active missions. Developing identifiable, repairable, and serviceable spacecraft requires new research, but tools to replicate the tumble, rotation, and motion of unresponsive satellites are limited. ARGOS provides a foundational test platform to simulate these conditions, enabling research into satellite reusability and debris mitigation strategies.


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