Design and Construction of an Educational Rover-type CanSat Picosatellite, Applying the “V” Methodology

Abstract

Several years have passed since the CanSat concept was first proposed as an educational tool to teach space technology. This concept brought with it different applications such as a mobile system. This article presents the design and construction of such a system. The mission consisted of sending data via telemetry to a ground station (laptop) and returning to the starting point. This mission was carried out utilizing a rover-type vehicle, using the “v” methodology. The electronic cards and the mechanical parts that would make up the rover-type vehicle were designed. The electronic cards were built for their manufacture, and the mechanical parts were printed on a 3D printer. A rover-type CanSat capable of sending data through telemetry to a ground station (laptop) located 1 km away was built. In conclusion, the data transmission was received and traced by the ground station. A solution is presented with the rotation of the casing incorporating some vials to the motors. In the case of DC motors, it is recommended to place encoders to maintain the same speed as both motors.