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Since September, a group of Fourth, Fifth and Lower Sixth Form students have been working on their miniature satellites to enter the European Space Agency CanSat competition. All three of Lancing’s teams, SpaceEx, Lancing Space Agency and Lancing Skylink, this year reached the regional launch stage. Their primary goal was to create a satellite the size of a coke can and measure altitude, temperature and pressure during its descent after being launched in a small rocket. Teams also set secondary goals, in hopes of making it into the finals of the competition.
The CanSat project incorporates programming, electrical knowledge, and engineering ability, while also requiring discipline and teamwork skills. Students undertook a huge amount of work needing great time management capability, as they balanced their commitment to CanSat with their busy academic life. Each group included six members, with two students focused on the design of the can, two on the coding of the satellite’s processor and ground stations. There was an electronics engineer focused on PCB design and an outreach officer in each team. The critical design review (CDR), a document like a DT portfolio, had to be submitted at the end of January. In this document, teams demonstrated their progress to and future goals regarding their CanSat project.
All three teams qualified for the regional launches and travelled to Westcott in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday 4 March. On a fabulous clear sunny day each team watched their satellite being launched to an altitude of 500m in a small rocket then descend on a parachute.
SpaceEx, with the simplest design, had a successful launch with clear data received at the ground station throughout the mission. Lancing Space Agency and Lancing Skylink’s CanSats did not collect all the data they wanted, lessons have been learned, and some redesigning is currently taking place!
Based on their CDR, Lancing Skylink are through to the National Finals at the end of April, and are officially one of just ten teams selected from 300 to attend the finals across the UK. They are busy preparing for this as they work on the automated systems to open the satellite fins, designed to open after ejection from the rocket and to stabilise the can on descent. This should improve the quality of video that is being transmitted from the onboard camera.
It has been a rewarding experience for all pupils, who have been able to develop new skills and continue to work on their current interests.
I have been responsible for all the electrical design of the CanSat. Although I have experience regarding robotics competitions and electronic systems, creating a PCB from scratch is no easy task. Nevertheless, I was able to adapt to my situation and provide a finished product in a short amount of time. I was also able to support pupils in other groups as this was their first time, giving me technical skills regarding PCB design and improving my communication skills especially with younger year groups.
Mingli J, Sixth Form
My role in the group was working on the mechanical design of the CanSat and managing the group so that we are on track to finish the project. I was able to enhance my designing and CAD skills, communication and leadership skills, as well as learn to manage a team in a tight timeframe.
Rio L, Sixth Form
I have focused on the outreach section of the project. It was a brand-new task for me, with the main challenge being maintaining engagement over the span of the whole project. I needed to develop my time management skills to consistently present news about the project and communicate with our audience while improving my branding and strategic marketing skills.
Mochi L, Sixth Form
I have worked on the landing and recovery system for the CanSat. Despite having no previous experience in this field, I still managed to transcend my limits and deliver. I was able to gain a large amount of insight on aerodynamics and learn how to sew from scratch. This has made me a more resilient and disciplined person.
Jim X, Sixth Form
My task in the group was the physical and mechanical design of the CanSat. I enjoyed the manufacturing process and being able to work with others to finally see everything come together. The launch was great, even if my group was unable to collect any data. I had a great sense of achievement seeing the CanSat being launched in the rocket.
Euan C, Fifth Form
I helped design the can and am responsible for the production of our team’s parachute. I was able to develop my sewing skills and applying mathematical models to work out the dimensions of the parachute. I have now started working on the outreach of the group which has expanded my range of skills including video editing and time management skills.
Eddie A, Sixth Form