IPEX Status
12/10/2013 – 11:55PM
The payload processor and software have been activated.
12/7/2013 – 10:00AM
Japan has gotten a very clear recording of IPEX.
Check it out here: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=39287
Two types of beacons can be heard in the recording, a health beacon and the morse code beacon.
12/7/2013 – 12:00AM
Image thumbnails have been downlinked from each of the five cameras along with a telemetry packet.
12/6/2013 – 8:30AM
IPEX has received over 50 packets since the launch the night before. Decoded packets indicate the satellite is so far nominal. Initial checkout is still underway and updates will be posted.
Packets are being decoded from about 1.5 degrees above the horizon
IPEX Launch!
PolySat is very excited to announce the upcoming launch of IPEX! The launch is scheduled for December 5, 2013, out of Vandenberg Air Force Base, along with 11 other CubeSats.
We would greatly appreciate the help of the HAM radio community in gathering data about our satellite. To see tracking information and to submit packets, see the tab above labeled IPEX Tracking.
CP9 Flight Model Integration
On August 2nd, the CP9 team performed a basic fit check and functional check out of our flight unit, which included using the solar-panel mounted sidepanels created during May. Here is a cool picture of it:
IPEX Long Range Testing
In December 2012, Cal Poly was able to perform a high altitude t The IPEX team did some long range testing this weekend. They took the ETU about halfway up Bishop's Peak and hung out for the tests! This was one of the cooler pictures:
Out of frame to the right is our home at Cal Poly!
The CSU Chancellor paid us a visit!
As part of a tour of the CSU system, CSU Chancellor White came by the lab to see what we're up to! Here are some pictures from his visit:
Derek Nelson, Nick Weiser, and Melody Golobic having a few laughs with the Chancellor.
Dr. Puig-Suari showing off the groundstation.
High Altitude News Article
In December 2012, Cal Poly was able to perform a high altitude test launch (for CP9) with Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, and here’s an article about it:
http://www.americaspace.com/?p=33691
It was a real blast! We are all looking forward to the next launch in June.
NASA EDGE Vodcast Online!
The previously mentioned NASA EDGE teams tour was a huge success!
Do you have questions about CubeSats? Ever curious how Cal Poly is involved? NASA EDGE’s vodcast answers these questions and more. Video link and transcript here:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00031413_54_CubeSat.html
The video starts with NASA’s Garrett Skrobot starts with the educational aspects of CubeSats and NASA’s involvement in providing launches. The video follows up with a tour of our lab, including interviews with our advisor Dr. Jordi Puig-Suari and our Program Manager Brian Tubb.
Solar Cell Practice
This last Thursday, we started iterating on a solar cell application method originally proposed by AeroSpace Corporation. Their excellent guide can be found here.
We had approximately ten students assist, with six eventually working in the clean room. The team consisted of older members such as Craig Francis (IPEX Project Lead), Jeff Weaver (Junior EE), Nicholas Weiser (Grad EE), as well as younger members in their Freshman and Sophomore years. Members of CP7, IPEX, CP9, and ExoCube were present.
Craig and others in the prep area
PolySat students busy in the clean room, learning how to install solar cells
Nik Powell and Adam Darley provide support outside the clean room, over the phone