Getting Started

To ensure a smooth journey in building your CubeSat, there are a few things you’ll want to understand beforehand. This section outlines key knowledge areas you’ll need, from using the platform and GitHub to understanding systems engineering principles.

Platform Basics: GitHub and Git

To work with BIRDS, you’ll need a GitHub account. This is where you’ll manage your codebase and contribute to open-source satellite projects. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. GitHub Account

Create a GitHub account to access repositories, contribute to projects, and manage your code.
Familiarize yourself with the platform’s layout, including repositories, commits, pull requests, and issues.

2. Using Git

Git is a version control system used to manage and track changes in your codebase.
Learn how to use basic Git commands like:
- git clone – To download repositories.
- git pull – To update your local copy with the latest changes.
- git commit – To save your changes locally.
- git push – To upload your changes to GitHub.

3. Cloning a Repository

To start working on a project, you’ll first need to clone the relevant repository from GitHub to your local machine:
```
git clone https://github.com/username/repository.git
```
Once cloned, you can make changes to the files locally and push them back to the repository when you’re ready.

Systems Engineering Approach

Building a satellite involves complex systems that need careful planning and integration. Here are some key concepts of systems engineering that will guide your CubeSat development:

1. Understanding Systems Engineering

Systems engineering is the interdisciplinary approach to designing and managing complex systems.
It focuses on understanding the entire system, from design and development to testing and operation, ensuring that all parts work together to meet the mission goals.

2. Defining Requirements

Start by defining your satellite’s mission and operational goals.
Understand the system’s constraints, such as size, weight, power, and budget, and define technical requirements to meet them.

3. Subsystems Integration

Satellites consist of multiple subsystems such as power, communication, and attitude control. Systems engineering ensures that all subsystems integrate seamlessly.
Learn how these subsystems interact and contribute to the overall mission’s success.

4. Risk Management

Identify potential risks early in the development process and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Regular testing, reviews, and simulations help identify weak points and prevent system failures.

What are the phases of a satellite?

The development and deployment of a satellite involve a series of carefully structured phases to ensure the mission’s success. From initial concept discussions to final pre-launch verifications, these phases guide teams through designing, building, and testing the satellite to meet stringent space industry standards.

Each phase acts as a checkpoint to confirm that requirements are met and potential risks are mitigated. Understanding the phases - including the

gantt
    title Satellite Milestones
    dateFormat  YYYY-MM-DD
    section  Mission concept 
    MDR     :milestone, crit, a2, 2014-01-23, 4d
    A task  :crit, done, a1, 2014-01-20, 9d
    section Bus + Payload dev. & testing
    PDR      :milestone, crit, a3, 2014-02-3, 4d
    another task    :active, 2014-01-20  , 31d
    section EM integration & testing
    CDR     :milestone, crit, 2014-02-20, 4d
    another task      : 2014-02-12  , 12d
    section Software dev.
    FM     :milestone, crit, 2014-03-09, 4d
    another task      :active, 2014-02-03  , 38d
    section FM integration & testing
    another task      :2014-02-26  , 15d
    section GS software revision
    another task      :after a3, 30d
    section End-to-End test
    another task      : 2014-03-01, 13d
    section Operation plan 
    another task      : 2014-03-04, 12d
    section Freq. coord. IARU
    another task      : crit, active, after a2, 53d
    section Satellite delivery
    another task      : 2014-03-16,12d
    section Launch
    another task      : 5d
    section Operation
    another task      : 10d
    section Disposal

These phases create a structured pathway from conceptualization to launch, with each review and testing stage serving as a critical checkpoint. The MDR sets the scope, the PDR checks the initial design feasibility, the CDR finalizes the detailed design, and FRR ensures that the satellite is robust and mission-ready. This structured approach helps in mitigating risks, ensuring quality, and promoting mission success.

3. What tools do we use in development?

Software:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools for Design: Fusion 360
- Simulation Tools: Thermal desktop, STK for mission analysis
- Programming Languages: C/C++, Python
- Programming Environment: CCS Compiler, MPLAB IDE
- Communication Protocols: UART, SPI
Hardware:
- Microcontrollers/Boards: PIC MCUs, custom PCBs
- Power Systems: Solar panels, battery packs
- Sensing Devices: Magnetometers, gyroscopes for ADCS
Version Control: Git/ GitHub

With this foundational knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to dive into the satellite-building process. The next step is to select the path that best fits your experience level and start building!

Get Started

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