College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
Steve Dunton, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This project is a collaboration with OWL Integrations, a company that specializes in adaptable, low-cost communication systems. OWL has developed a board specifically designed for space applications called the Space Quacker Advanced Development (SQuAD), which is an adaptation of their existing board called the Quaker Advanced Development (QUAD).
This project focuses on testing the existing SQuAD board design to make sure that it is flight-ready for deployment on Cal Poly CubeSat’s satellite, SAL-E. To achieve this, the project must ensure compatibility with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) conditions by testing the integrated high-power long-range (LoRa) receiver and enhanced hardware to meet the rigorous environmental requirements. Additionally, the project includes integrating the SQuAD board with the CubeSat and testing the software to make sure that they can communicate with one another. Finally, the project will include ensuring that the CubeSat ground station can transmit LoRa packets, verify signal reception on the SQuAD boards, and edit firmware for the SQuAD board to relay data through the CubeSat. The significance of this project is to provide a low-cost, reliable satellite communication system, which can be used in many different applications, like disaster recovery and scientific data collection.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/674