Hardware
The Payload
The payload comprises of multiple systems:
Biological Payload
The cells themselves. Aiming to be able to host any cell type, we will start off with live GFP (fluorescent tracker) embedded yeast.
Thermal System
Maintains each of the flasks containing the yeast at precise temperatures. Also heats up the overall ambient temperature of the system for optimal electronic system performance.
Shutter Mechanism
Similar to a camera shutter, we will be controlling the exposure of UV to the cells.
Photonics System
Shines a specific wavelength of light onto the cells, which then emit (due to the fluorescent tracker). Emissions are picked up and processed to figure out the activity of the sample in real time.
Electrical Power System and On Board Data Handling
The heart and the brains of the system. The EPS provides electricity in the form and amounts needed across the whole system. The OBDH handles all the data and processing, alongside any telemetry to the ground station.
Structures
The entire system is encased in aluminium alloys, varying from the rolled cylinder to the CNC milled baseplate and top, and is also coated in different insulations such as Polystyrene EPS and XPS (Expanded PS and eXtruded PS). There's also a layer of Spacetherm A1 on the inside.