Team Members
Mikaela De Gracia, Mateo Angeles, Derek Pfeffer, Rishabdev Bahl, William Morrisroe, Jasmin Rabosto, Ireland Brown, Samuel Peck, Joshua Thompson
Abstract
The Lunar Exploration With Imaging Satellites (LEWIS) mission aims to expand our understanding of the Moon’s surface to aid in the selection of the Artemis lunar base location. CLARK, or Capturing Lunar Attributes to Reveal Knowledge, is a 12U CubeSat launching aboard the Space Launch System (SLS)from Cape Canaveral, FL as part of the Artemis 3 mission. CLARK will capture high resolution images of the Shackleton Crater Region located on the Lunar South Pole, using a TriScape 100 camera which provides an image resolution of less than 0.5 meters. The images will be transmitted to the Deep Space Network via X-Band radio frequencies to successfully send, receive, and download images to Earth. CLARK is constructed with a custom monocoque 6061-T6 aluminum frame, capable of withstanding all mission loads with a factor of safety of at least 1.4. The frame will include unique bulkhead designs to optimize structural support to the camera and thrusters respectively, as well as a sheet metal monocoque chassis to maximize internal volume. Mounted to the frame is a 6U EnduroSatDeployable Solar Panel Array, capable of providing 38.2W of power to the Electrical Power Supply (EPS), an integrated system featuring a 4-cell battery designed to generate, store, and distribute the power produced. CLARK’s navigation system utilizes three star trackers and three sun sensors to ensure three axis control throughout the duration of the mission. Attitude determination is supported by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)and altimeter to obtain position and velocity data to be converted to orbital elements that would allow for the flight computer to detect if a corrective maneuver is required. Attitude control is supported by the use of thrusters and reaction wheels. The propulsion system uses LMP-103s as fuel as it non-toxic and allows a large quantity of fuel storage in a small form factor due to its high density. A custom titanium fuel tank was developed in order to hold enough fuel to withstand a mission duration of 14 days. Passive techniques are used to manage thermal, vibrational, and acoustic concerns throughout the mission. Testing CLARK at all levels, from component to full flight configuration, will ensure mission success. CLARK was designed to be a reliable solution to the LEWIS mission. When it comes to exploring the final frontier, you can depend on LEWIS and CLARK.