Ongoing Projects
ALMA
The main purpose of the Atmospheric Laser Measurement of Aerosols (ALMA) project is atmospheric research in the Norbotten area. We are looking into finding a correlation between density, size and composition of aerosols in the troposphere and stratosphere and the global volcanic activity, especially after the eruption of the volcano in La Palma. In this study, the anticipated results include higher concentrations of sulphur dioxide aerosols while the ozone levels in the atmospheric composition are reduced. This data will then be compared with previous databases from Sentinel 5p, OMI and OMPS missions in order to find the above-mentioned correlation and characterise our results. Project ALMA was encouraged by a natural event that cannot be predicted and which causes worldwide effects even after a longer period of time. As such we are looking into acquiring new skills and knowledge, while providing new information regarding environmental impacts after volcanic eruptions.
APTAS
APTAS – Atmospheric Polar Transmission Alignment Satellite – is the first student CubeSat developed at LTU. The goal is to design, build, test and operate a 1U CubeSat for scientific and educational purposes whilst paving the way for future generations of students who want to develop their own CubeSats! It has two payloads: ECAT and CAM. ECAT consists of an RF transmitter to be used for calibration of the planned EISCAT 3D research project, a new phased-array system located in northern Sweden, Norway and Finland. CAM is a camera operating in the visible range, aiming to image geophysical features such as glaciers for size measurements and change rates in addition to project outreach.
The project is currently in Phase D – Qualification, verification and production and has a preliminary launch in Q1 2022. The teams in the project is System Engineering, Software, Communications, Mechanical, Electronics, ADCS, Power, Science and Management.
FASTER
The goal for project FASTER is to develop project @aster.rexus’s attitude-controlled FFU and adapt it to parabolic flights. Its purpose is to improve microgravity conditions for different payload experiments. The platform control system will use three reaction wheels and data from an accelerometer will be collected from inside the payload bay and the floor of the aircraft. These data will then be compared in order to verify the improvements made by the platform.
Right now, the team is working on the integration and testing phase. They are aiming to perform two parabolic flight campaigns using a small aircraft in Kiruna to test the platform. The first flight campaign is set to happen late 2023, while the second will take place early 2024.
RAVEN
RAVEN, Rocketry and Aerospace Vehicle Engineering in Norrbotten, is the first student rocket project at LTU. The initial and grand directive of RAVEN is to launch a rocket from Esrange to an altitude of 10 km, while carrying a payload of 10 kg. The theoretical groundwork for this larger rocket was established by students in previous years, and RAVEN has now elected to steer in the direction of gaining hands-on experience. Everything is built from scratch by students.
Starting with a small scale horizontal test engine, RAVEN seeks to achieve a 5+ second burn utilising hybrid propulsion. In their most recent update, they had completed a dry run procedure test, a low-pressure test and an igniter test and are now awaiting their oxidiser in order to perform coldflow and hotfire tests.
Safety is paramount in rocketry, as is communication with supervisors and communication. As RAVEN continues into Chapter 3 of its long term plan, the excitement is also increasing, as are the lessons and opportunities available to them.
VOIDCUBE
The goal is to create a standardized template for a constellation of cubes. Each cube has its own specific function and attributes. The final product will be able to function as any type of terrestrial or space vehicle depending on the mission goal.
Creating cubes that are able to be rearranged makes available the option to reuse a satellite or a rover that finished its mission. In the case of a mission to another planet being able to reuse the same parts for a second different mission can be cost, time and space efficient.
