DESIGN OF A LOW

EARTH ORBIT
SATELLITE
Team Members
1. Mohammed Nouman (22102003)
2. Laith Aashiq Ilahi (22102004)
3. Harish Kumar G (22102010)
4. Sapdarishi S (22102012)
(Aerospace – 4A)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
S No. Content Page No.
1. Abstract 3
2. Introduction 4
3. Study Of LEO Satellites 5-6
4. Case Studies 7-9
5. Methodology 10
6. Mission Profile 11
7. Weight Estimation 12
8. Propellant Requirements 13-14
9. Isometric Views Of Our Satellite 15
10. Final Design Parameters 16
11. Fabrication 17-21
12. Conclusion 22
13. Future Works 23
ABSTRACT
 This project outlines a weather forecasting satellite
emphasizing re-entry capabilities and space debris
mitigation. It utilizes sensors like DHT11, BMP180, and
MPU6050, controlled by an Arduino Nano microcontroller.

 The aim is to create a versatile satellite for real-time

weather monitoring and address space debris in low Earth
orbit. The project involves sensor integration, Arduino
programming for data management, and propellant
calculations for orbital maneuvers and end-of-life disposal.
Emphasis is on safety protocols and sustainability.

 This project contributes to space technology and

environmental monitoring, promoting responsible space
exploration by integrating re-entry considerations and
propellant calculations into the design process.
INTRODUCTION
 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are spacecraft orbiting the
Earth, designed to facilitate various forms of
communication, weather monitoring, remote sensing and
so on.

 Key components and functions include orbital positioning,

payloads and weight estimation.
STUDY OF LEO SATELLITES
 MetOp: Monitors atmospheric temperature, humidity, and
cloud cover for improved weather forecasting and climate
monitoring.
 Fengyun: Tracks tropical cyclones, monitors atmospheric
conditions, and collects data for climate research.
 GOES: Provides continuous monitoring of weather
patterns over North America, enhancing severe weather
prediction and monitoring.
 DMSP: Specializes in collecting weather data for military
operations, including cloud cover analysis and atmospheric
soundings.
 Himawari: Offers high-resolution imagery of weather
systems in the Asia-Pacific region for enhanced forecasting
and disaster management.
STUDY OF LEO SATELLITES
 MeteoSat: Monitors weather and climate in Europe, Africa,
and parts of Asia, providing vital data for forecasting and
environmental monitoring.
 INSAT: Provides weather forecasting services for India,
focusing on cyclone tracking, monsoon prediction, and
agriculture monitoring.
 COMS: Monitors weather patterns over the Korean Peninsula,
aiding in disaster response and agricultural planning.
 MSG: Offers high-resolution imagery of Europe and Africa
for improved weather forecasting and environmental
monitoring.
 Nimbus: Pioneer in weather satellite technology, providing
crucial data for early weather prediction and atmospheric
research.
CASE STUDIES
 Iridium-Cosmos Collision (2009): A defunct Russian satellite, Cosmos 2251,
collided with an operational Iridium communication satellite in low Earth orbit
(LEO), generating thousands of fragments. This event highlighted the risks of
space debris and led to increased tracking and collision avoidance efforts.
 Fengyun-1C Destruction (2007): China's anti-satellite missile test against its
own Fengyun-1C weather satellite created a significant debris field in LEO.
The test demonstrated China's ASAT capabilities but raised concerns about the
proliferation of space debris and its impact on other satellites.
 Polar Satellite Launch Failures: Several incidents involving failed launches
or malfunctioning satellites in polar orbits have contributed to the buildup of
space debris in LEO. For example, the failure of the Russian Progress-M 27M
cargo spacecraft in 2015 resulted in the release of numerous fragments.
 Cosmos 1402 Debris (1982): The Soviet military satellite Cosmos 1402
experienced an uncontrolled re-entry, scattering debris over the Indian Ocean.
The event highlighted the long-term consequences of uncontrolled satellite
disposal and the potential hazards of space debris.
 Envisat Anomaly (2012): ESA's Envisat, one of the largest Earth observation
satellites in orbit, ceased communications unexpectedly in 2012. Its status as a
large defunct satellite raised concerns about collision risks and the potential for
future debris-generating events.
METHODOLOGY
MISSION PROFILE
 The objectives of this project is to develop a weather
forecasting satellite using simple sensors to calculate
humidity, pressure and temperature.
 Propellant calculations done during the take-off and End-
Of-Life helps in knowing the propellant requirements
during re-entry of the satellite.
WEIGHT ESTIMATION

Total mass of the satellite = 30+15+3+4+1

= 53 grams

S No. Component Component Mass

Name
1. DHT 11 sensor Around 1-2 grams

2. MPU 6050 sensor Around 3-5 grams

3. BMP 180 sensor Around 2-3 grams

4. Bread Board Around 30 grams

5. Arduino Nano Around 15 grams

PROPELLANT REQUIREMENTS
To calculate the amount of propellant needed for a satellite to deorbit and land back on Earth's
surface, we need to consider the delta-v required to perform a controlled deorbit maneuver. For a
satellite in LEO, the delta-v required for deorbiting typically ranges from 100 to 200 m/s. Let's
use a midpoint estimate of 150 m/s for this calculation. Using the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation
with a specific impulse (Isp) of the propulsion system, we can estimate the propellant mass
needed for the deorbit maneuver. Assuming an Isp of 300 seconds for a traditional chemical
propulsion system;

Δv = Isp * ln (Mi / Mf)

Given:

Δv = 150 m/s , Isp = 300 seconds

We can rearrange the equation to solve for the mass ratio (Mi / Mf):

Mi / Mf = e^ (Δv / Isp)

Now, let's calculate the propellant mass used for the deorbit maneuver. Assuming the initial
satellite mass is 1000 kg:
PROPELLANT REQUIREMENTS
Mi / Mf = e^ (150 / 300) ≈ 1.105

This means the mass ratio is approximately 1.105. So, for the deorbit maneuver, the
satellite expends about 10.5% of its initial mass in propellant. Therefore, the
propellant mass needed for the deorbit maneuver is;

Propellant mass for deorbit = Initial satellite mass * (1 - 1 / (Mi / Mf))

Propellant mass for deorbit = 1000 kg * (1 - 1 / 1.105) ≈ 1000 kg * (1 - 0.905) ≈ 95

kg

So, approximately 95 kilograms of propellant would be needed for the satellite to

deorbit and land back on Earth's surface. If the propellant mass of the satellite is
considered for 5 years and 1700 kgs, therefore, we engage the satellite for re-entry
when the propellant mass comes down to 95 kgs, that is roughly 100 days before
it’s end-of-life period.
ISOMETRIC VIEWS OF OUR
SATELLITE
FINAL DESIGN PARAMETERS
Understood, here are the final design parameters based on the provided
information:
1. Mass: The CubeSat has a mass of 53 grams.
2. Subsystem Integration: The CubeSat integrates the following
subsystems:
1. Sensors: BMP180, MPU6050, DHT11
2. Microcontroller: Arduino Nano
3. Payload Description: The CubeSat's payload consists of the
integrated sensors (BMP180, MPU6050, DHT11) and the Arduino
Nano microcontroller for data acquisition, processing, and
communication.
4. Communication System: The CubeSat employs a wired
communication system using a Mini-B USB type cable, connected to
a laptop for data transmission and command operations.
These parameters provide a succinct overview of the final design of the
CubeSat, focusing on its mass, integrated subsystems, payload, and
communication system.
FABRICATION
 MICROPROCESSOR
 Arduino is an open-source electronics platform
based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It
consists of a programmable circuit board (often
referred to as a microcontroller) and a
development environment that allows users to
write, upload, and run code to control the
behavior of electronic devices.

 The Arduino board typically features digital and

analog input/output pins that can be used to
connect various sensors, actuators, and other
components
 The Arduino Nano is Arduino's classic
breadboard friendly designed board with the
smallest dimensions. The Arduino Nano comes
with pin headers that allow for an easy
attachment onto a breadboard and features a
Mini-B USB connector.
 DHT11 SENSOR
 The DHT11 sensor is an example of a
combined temperature and humidity sensor.
It's widely used due to its affordability and
simplicity. The DHT11 sensor measures
temperature using a thermistor. A
thermistor is a type of resistor whose
resistance changes with temperature. It
converts the temperature-dependent
resistance into a voltage, which is then
converted into temperature readings.

 For humidity measurement, the DHT11

sensor utilizes a humidity-sensitive
resistor. This resistor changes its resistance
based on the humidity of the surrounding
environment. The change in resistance is
converted into humidity readings.
 BMP180 SENSOR
 The BMP180 sensor is a popular and versatile
digital barometric pressure and temperature
sensor manufactured by Bosch SensorTec. It is
commonly used in various applications,
including weather forecasting, altitude
measurement, and indoor climate monitoring.
 The BMP180 sensor accurately measures
atmospheric pressure, which can be used to
determine altitude, weather patterns, and
changes in atmospheric conditions. It has a
wide pressure measurement range of 300 hPa to
1100 hPa with a resolution of 0.01 hPa.
 In addition to pressure, the BMP180 sensor also
provides temperature readings. This allows for
compensating pressure measurements based on
temperature variations and provides ambient
temperature data. It typically measures
temperature in the range of -40°C to +85°C
with a resolution of 0.1°C.
MPU6050 SENSOR
 The MPU6050 is a highly versatile integrated
circuit (IC) designed for motion tracking and
measurement. It integrates a 3-axis gyroscope
and a 3-axis accelerometer onto a single chip,
making it a compact and efficient solution for
accurately detecting both rotational and linear
motion in three-dimensional space.

 The gyroscope component of the MPU6050

measures angular velocity, providing information
about the rate of rotation around each of the three
axes. This data is crucial for tasks such as
orientation sensing, stabilization, and motion
tracking in applications like drones, robots, and
virtual reality systems.

 Simultaneously, the accelerometer within the

MPU6050 measures linear acceleration along
each axis. This enables the detection of changes
in velocity or acceleration experienced by an
object, facilitating applications such as gesture
recognition, tilt sensing, and vibration monitoring
in various devices and systems.
CONCLUSION
 In this project, we embarked on the fabrication of a weather
forecasting satellite utilizing readily available components such as the
DHT11, BMP180, MPU6050 sensors, and Arduino Nano
microcontroller.
 The implementation of Arduino programming enabled efficient data
processing and communication, laying the foundation for real-time
weather forecasting capabilities.
 As we look towards the ultimate goal of addressing space debris in
LEO, our project emphasizes the importance of responsible satellite
design and management. By considering re-entry possibilities and
end-of-life scenarios from the outset, we can mitigate the long-term
impact of space debris on Earth's orbital environment.
 In conclusion, the fabrication of our weather forecasting satellite,
coupled with our focus on re-entry possibilities, underscores our
commitment to advancing space exploration in a sustainable and
responsible manner. By harnessing the power of technology and
innovation, we aspire to contribute towards a safer and more resilient
future for space exploration and environmental monitoring.
FUTURE WORKS

 Debris Mitigation Strategies

 Automated Collision Avoidance System
 End-Of-Life Managements