Team Members
Alia Farooque, Matthew Barrett, Alec Castro, Thomas Chase, Emma Cushing, Nathaniel Fuller, Karis Linnet, Abigail Lopez, Giuliano Lupica, Brendan McMurrer, Garrett Page, Jazmine Sandoval
Abstract
The Astro Restoration Project, in collaboration with University of Florida students, endeavored to enhance the display stand for the Astro Spacelab, seeking to convey the significance of the Astro-1 and Astro-2 missions. Comprising four telescopes, three focusing on ultraviolet astronomical phenomena and the fourth on x-ray observations, the current static display falls short of effectively showcasing the payload’s key attributes. SpaceCrafted Solutions aimed to create a dynamic system allowing museum visitors to engage with the Spacelab’s optics from multiple angles, fostering a deeper appreciation for its missions. To achieve this, the team developed design concepts, combining subsystems to meet internal and project specifications. The design process involved matrices for aesthetics, usability, cost estimation, size, and manufacturability. Client feedback, prioritizing safety and aesthetics, guided iterative improvements. The proposed design integrates four subsystems: turntable, support legs, rotational motor, and trunnion support arms. The turntable, initially part of the team’s design, was outsourced to meet foundational and aesthetic requirements. The support legs, with diagonals for uniform load distribution, feature concealed electrical components and serve as discreet storage. Rotational motors, positioned on the legs, control the payload’s 0-to-90-degree rotation, exceeding power specifications. Support arms link the motor to trunnions, strategically placed for manageable torque requirements. Incorporating hard stops for safety as they prevent over-rotation, ensuring a secure operational environment. Counterweights address center of mass uncertainties, facilitating effective rotation. The final assembly incorporates the Astro Spacelab, prioritizing manufacturability and meeting a cost estimate of approximately $34,300, aligning with design requirements. The design aims to captivate museum visitors, providing comprehensive views of the payload and fostering a profound understanding of the Astro Spacelab’s missions.
Pitch Video
3D Interactive Product Model
The following is an interactive 3D model of the product design. You can view and rotate the product assembly in different orientations and views, including an exploded view to see the various parts that make up the assembly.