XP-7A DEST

We have just finished the final structure design and just started the final CATIA design of the first model incorporating the direction.

This cansat is called XP-7A DEST which stands for Direction and Electronic System Testbed.

This cansat will be the first full-system testbed in the new generation series cansats. We are designing the assembly and resizing the direction elements in order to start the manufacturing.

Electronicaly this cansat will mount all the systems and the integrated circuit. We expect all systems to resist the initial rocket acceleration without problems.

Structuraly the cansat will incorporate a completely replaceable direction.

We expect this model to be flying in two weeks.

XP-6A Structure Testbed

We have just finished the construction and preliminary G-force tests of the XP-6A structure, the first cansat of the Advanced Series. Here are some pictures of the process:


First of all we cut the plastic in the approximate form of the pieces we want to get. After this the piece is sanded to its final form.



This are the pieces we have done to get the XP-6A alive. Once we have the pieces we check they al fit and then we assembly the cansat structure.

Now, the cansat structure is completed and we have to perform the structure validity tests in order to ensure it can support the acceleration during the rocket launch. The target acceleration is 10G (ten times the gravity acceleration).

We start the test with a load of 1,1Kg during 5s. This represents an acceleration of 3,7G on the hole cansat but as the structure weight is only 50g over the structure represents an acceleration of 22G.

The next step is 2,3Kg during 30s. Over the cansat, this weight equals an acceleration of 7,7G and also equals 46G over the structure.

XP-6A structure design

We have just finished the first CATIA design of the XP-6A prototype. This cansat is a technology demonstrator and the aim is to test telemetry and come-back capabilities of the design.



At the moment we are adjusting the electronics position in the lower deck to optimize its performace. We expect to fly this prototype in three weeks.

We have been investigating the materials to construct the prototype and it will be made mostly in polycarbonates, PMMA and ABS.