RHOK-SAT is a 1U CubeSat project, developed through a partnership between Rhodes College and the University of Oklahoma's Photovoltaic Materials and Devices group. It is part of NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative and aims to test the durability and efficiency of novel photovoltaic devices in space.[1] [2]
| Mission type | Technology demonstration |
|---|---|
| Operator | Rhodes College |
| Mission duration | Planned: 1 year (estimated) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | CubeSat |
| Bus | 1U CubeSat |
| Manufacturer | Rhodes College, University of Oklahoma |
| Launch mass | 1.33 kg |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Late 2023 or early 2024 (planned) |
| Rocket | TBD |
| Launch site | TBD |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Inclination | TBD |
Development edit
The development of RHOK-SAT has provided an opportunity for liberal arts students at Rhodes College to gain real-world engineering experience. The project is a distinctive feature of the college’s curriculum, with students participating in all aspects of the satellite's development. The launch of RHOK-SAT is targeted for late 2023 or early 2024. The flight software of the satellite is currently under development and in the testing phase, which is crucial for the operation and data collection of the mission.[3] [4]
Mission edit
RHOK-SAT's mission involves both educational and scientific objectives. It aims to provide hands-on experience in spacecraft development to students and to test the performance of 36 experimental perovskite solar cells in the low Earth orbit environment. The data collected will contribute to the advancement of solar power technology for space applications.The satellite's payload includes a set of 36 experimental perovskite photovoltaic cells, one control CIGS cell, measurement microcontrollers, multiplexers, temperature sensors, and a custom-developed Sun sensor. This sensor will determine the angle of incident sunlight, which is vital for assessing the cells' performance.[5] [6] [7]
References edit
- ^ "RHOK-SAT: A 1U CubeSat to Characterize Novel Photovoltaics in LEO". American Physical Society. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "NASA to launch Rhodes College satellite into space". AP News. 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "NASA Announces 12th Round of Candidates for CubeSat Space Missions". NASA. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "SPS Chapter Research Award 2023 - Rhodes College". Society of Physics Students. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "NASA selects Rhodes College for student-made satellite". Daily Memphian. 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "Finished Satellites Detail - RHOK-SAT". IARU. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ "NASA to launch Rhodes College satellite into space". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2023-11-07.