CanSat - Satellite inside your soda can
date
Feb 19, 2025
slug
cansat-competition
status
Published
tags
tech
Innovation
Coding
Satellite
Coca Cola
3D design
summary
Playing SpaceX in your backyard.
type
Post
Revolutionizing CanSat Landings: Inspired by SpaceX’s Starship
What Sparked Our Mission?
On October 13, 2024, SpaceX conducted its fifth Starship flight test, successfully demonstrating the return and reuse system of the Super Heavy booster. Watching this incredible feat, we were inspired to take our CanSat project to the next level. We had previously considered the idea of a targeted landing, but after seeing SpaceX’s success, we knew this had to be our goal.
Primary and Secondary Missions
Our CanSat project follows the competition guidelines, which prescribe a primary mission of measuring temperature and pressure while descending with a parachute. Launched to an altitude of about 1 km, it will transmit real-time data to a ground station via radio communication.
For our secondary mission, we aim to achieve a targeted landing using FPV drone motors and propellers. Our GPS-based navigation software will control these motors to direct the CanSat to a designated landing point. Through simulations and testing, we seek to predict the accuracy of our system, defining a radius within which the CanSat is likely to land. This not only models real-world return systems but also simplifies post-mission recovery.
Breaking Down the CanSat System
1. Telemetry System
This system comprises:
- BME280 Sensor – Measures temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- WLR089 LoRa Module – Transmits telemetry data to the ground station.
2. Positioning System
Essential for the secondary mission, this system includes:
- GNSS 14 Click Module – Provides GPS-based location data.
- IMU Sensor with Mahony AHRS Algorithm – Determines orientation and yaw for precise navigation.
3. Return System
- Parachute – Ensures stable descent.
- FPV Drone Motors – Three motors positioned at 120-degree angles allow movement in any direction.
- Raspberry Pi Pico – Processes data and controls navigation.
Mechanical and Structural Design
Our CanSat is divided into two main sections:
- Lower Section – Houses electronic components, secured within a 3D-printed enclosure with custom PCBs.
- Upper Section – Contains the motors for controlled descent.
Initially, we 3D printed the structure in PLA, but impact tests showed it might not be durable enough. So we explored alternatives such as PETG, foam padding, or geometric reinforcements to improve impact resistance.
Body skeleton housing electronics ——————————————>
Last iteration on the 3D design:
Throughout the project, we went through multiple 3D designs, struggling to fit numerous electronics into a compact space.
Electrical and Software Design
Key Components:
- Raspberry Pi Pico – The central microcontroller managing all operations.
- GNSS 14 Click Module – Provides GPS data with ± 2.2-meter accuracy.
- FPV Drone Motors – High-speed brushed motors driven by MOSFET circuits.
- WLR089 LoRa Module – Enables long-range communication.
- NCR18650B Battery – 3.7V lithium-ion power source.
Software Architecture:
To ensure efficient operation, we split the software into three parallel processes:
- Orientation Estimation – Uses the Mahony AHRS algorithm to determine yaw.
- Navigation – Computes necessary thrust for targeted landing.
- Telemetry & Communication – Reads GPS and sensor data, transmits via LoRa, and stores for analysis.
Recovery System & Guided Landing
Parachute Design
We opted for a hemispherical parachute with a central hole for pressure equalization, ensuring stable descent at around 7 m/s. Initial tests from a 10-story building demonstrated stable velocity post-impact with obstacles.
Guided Landing Simulations
We simulated the landing using GPS data and motor control. Under ideal conditions, the CanSat could land within a 10-meter radius of the target, proving the feasibility of controlled descent.
Ground Station & Data Visualization
Our ground station comprises:
- LoRa Receiver – Captures telemetry data.
- Local Computer & Web Server – Processes and visualizes data using Leaflet.js maps and live charts.
- Remote Web Access – Provides live mission tracking.
We also implemented remote commands, allowing real-time adjustments to the landing target and radio settings.
Team:
- Csongor Vincze: School: Baár-Madas Reformed High School. Tasks: team leader, organizing meetings, administrative tasks, mechanical design.
- Luca Kern: School: Baár-Madas Reformed High School. Tasks: implementation and testing of the parachute, managing group dynamics.
- Attila Vincze: School: Baár-Madas Reformed High School. Tasks: software devel- opment, researching/sourcing components.
- Alfréd Burger: School: Trefort Ágoston Practicing High School. Tasks: hardware design, construction, and mechanical implementation, software development.
- Illés Fleischman: School: Baár-Madas Reformed High School. Tasks: software development, social media, administrative tasks.
- Benedek Bencz: School: Baár-Madas Reformed High School. Tasks: development of mathematical/physical background, sourcing components, electrical design.
Final Thoughts
By integrating GPS navigation, drone motors, and real-time telemetry, we are pushing the boundaries of CanSat technology. Our project, inspired by SpaceX’s breakthroughs, demonstrates how targeted landing systems can be developed even within the constraints of student competitions.
Stay tuned as we continue refining our CanSat and testing its precision landing capabilities!
If you’re willing to dig into the details, read the Critical Design Review: