Hackney Space Centre Plan

HackSat One is due to launch on 9th December 2013. This page summarises ideas for areas to work on for Hackney Space Centre prior to launch.

For an introduction to the project check out https://flux.org.uk/projects/hacksat/. There is also a Satellite FAQ.

NB. Flux is still working on this page, stay tuned for announcements on the mailing list for more details on how to get involved.

Mast & Antenna

In order to be able to receive signals from HackSat at the Hackspace we need an antenna that can see south and isn't obstructed by buildings. This is the initial priority as it's a big job and critical to the project.

• Making mast trailer operational (can extend to 30m, so easily tops local buildings)
  • Remove paint/rust - began
  • Painting with yellow Hammerite
  • Fix wobble in left-hand wheel
  • Get engine and compressor working
  • Check pneumatic system for leaks
  • Strip down mast, grease and reseal
• Steerable antenna
  • Need 70cm antenna (we do have some handheld ones, but these may not be suitable for mounting without modification)
  • Artag is loaning a rotator, will need something to raise antenna too
• Control software for steerable antenna
  • Test with ISS and FUNcube prior to HackSat launch

Signal Decoding

There are 128 sprites to decode. At present decoding in real time requires ~ 2 x 2.5GHz Core2 cores.

• We will be using a FUNcube Dongle Pro+.
• GNU Radio programming/automation
• Borg and sister servers have 64 cores, estimate we'd need all four running for ~2 hours a day during mission
• Increasing speed of FFT (GPU? AVX?)

Mission Control

To see results, work with other ground stations and manage the mission.

• Tracking ISS and HackSat Orbit
• Communications with other ground stations and main KickSat mission control
• Visualising decoded data from our and other ground stations, e.g. spinning 3D model of sprite matching actual motion of HackSat
• Physically building out area in Hackspace with monitors, comms etc.
  • Where does this go physically in the Space?

Science!

HackSat can only transmit a little basic data, but that doesn't mean we can't learn interesting things. The sensors can measure:

• temperature
• magnetic field
• spin rate
• time since exiting Earth's shadow

Publishing

• Make data from our ground station available online
• Twitter feed from HackSat One

Potential Workshops

• GNU Radio and cheap SDR
• Astronomy

Launch Party

• Video feed of Falcon 9 launch
• Video link to main mission control for KickSat
• LHS Bikeshed
• ...

Miscellaneous Ideas

• Brew a commemorative HackSat beer
• Fabric mission decals
• Hackney Space Centre sign based on decal
• ...