Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Telecommunications Systems Managements

Minor

Business Administration

Institution

Murray State University

KY House District #

CD 1

KY Senate District #

CD 1

Department

Telecommunications Systems Management

Abstract

The CricketSat Project at Murray State University was developed to establish better understandings for the design and assembly procedures of satellite technology. The satellite consists of one remote sensor that provides specific frequencies corresponding to various temperatures. By purchasing this inexpensive CricketSat, it provides students with the opportunity to advance their understanding of satellite technology and partake in hands on learning.

The CricketSat is composed of a single wireless module and a receiving antenna. The sensor transmits an audio tone that changes frequency in response to temperatures within the atmosphere. During launch, the CricketSat is attached to a helium balloon and operates at a signal of 433 Megahertz (MHz). Radio scanning software, such as Spectrum Lab and HDSDR are used during this project to record specific frequencies relayed from the transmitter to the receiving antenna. To accurately decipher transmission signals, calibration is necessary. For proper calibration, students must first record the frequency and temperature results at room temperature, then in ice water, and finally with the thermistor in between a given students thumb and index finger. Calibration establishes a direct correlation between temperature and frequency which can be plotted on a graph for students to better understand.

This project is significant to Murray State University because it will expand student’s educational horizons and can guide students toward new employment interests. The intention of this project is to allow students to be involved in hands-on learning within the lucrative industry of space technology. With a cost of less than $30, the CricketSat is completely affordable for any university. Proper advertising of this project will directly result in an increase of recruitment and retention rates of students. By placing more emphasis of satellite technology, university’s will be handed the opportunity to expand research and development for more sophisticated and valuable projects.

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CricketSat: Space Temperature Measurement Module

The CricketSat Project at Murray State University was developed to establish better understandings for the design and assembly procedures of satellite technology. The satellite consists of one remote sensor that provides specific frequencies corresponding to various temperatures. By purchasing this inexpensive CricketSat, it provides students with the opportunity to advance their understanding of satellite technology and partake in hands on learning.

The CricketSat is composed of a single wireless module and a receiving antenna. The sensor transmits an audio tone that changes frequency in response to temperatures within the atmosphere. During launch, the CricketSat is attached to a helium balloon and operates at a signal of 433 Megahertz (MHz). Radio scanning software, such as Spectrum Lab and HDSDR are used during this project to record specific frequencies relayed from the transmitter to the receiving antenna. To accurately decipher transmission signals, calibration is necessary. For proper calibration, students must first record the frequency and temperature results at room temperature, then in ice water, and finally with the thermistor in between a given students thumb and index finger. Calibration establishes a direct correlation between temperature and frequency which can be plotted on a graph for students to better understand.

This project is significant to Murray State University because it will expand student’s educational horizons and can guide students toward new employment interests. The intention of this project is to allow students to be involved in hands-on learning within the lucrative industry of space technology. With a cost of less than $30, the CricketSat is completely affordable for any university. Proper advertising of this project will directly result in an increase of recruitment and retention rates of students. By placing more emphasis of satellite technology, university’s will be handed the opportunity to expand research and development for more sophisticated and valuable projects.

 

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