| Project Summary | Project Information |
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A solar sail is a thin sheet of highly reflective material which utilizes the momentum of a star's photons to propel small spacecraft. Solar sails can be used both to accelerate spacecraft to high velocities and to deorbit existing satellites. This technology eliminates the need for traditional propellant fuels which are costly, heavy, and limited. Such a propulsion system is thus highly compatible with CubeSats, miniature satellites made primarily for scientific experimentation which focus on compact, standardized, and modular design. In 2015 the Planetary Society launched a larger CubeSat model with a solar sail incorporated amongst its scientific instruments. The aim of this project is to design and prototype a deployment mechanism for a solar sail contained within a CubeSat. The goal is for this system to be integrated into another RIT Space Exploration satellite in order to test the concept of solar sail propulsion for positioning and high speed space travel. The desired outcome of this project is a repeatable and remote sail deployment system which meets all the specifications of CubeSat regulations, does not compromise stability, and minimizes weight and volume. To access further detail in the project proposal, click the following link. Project Proposal. 
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Team Members
From left to right: Eric Pareis, Michael Berezny, Victor Braescu, Andrew Lewis
| Member | Role | Discipline | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Braescu | Project Manager | ME | vib2776@rit.edu |
| Michael Berezny | Communications and Purchasing | ME | mab1290@rit.edu |
| Andrew Lewis | Lead Engineer | ME | ajl9266@rit.edu |
| Eric Pareis | Facilitator | ME | egp5082@rit.edu |
Work Breakdown: By Phase
| MSD I & II | MSD I | MSD II |
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Work Breakdown by Topic
| Project Management | Design Tools | Design Documentation | Implementation | Validation | Presentation & Dissemination |
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Acknowledgements
The members of P18101 would like to extend sincere thanks to the individuals who provided continuous support on this project including Art North, Chris Leibfried, Elizabeth DeBartolo, Mihail Barbosu, and James Parkus. We would also like to acknowledge the RIT MECE Machine Shop and RIT Space Exploration for making this project possible. Lastly we’d like to thank RIT Multidisciplinary Senior Design, RIT Space Exploration, and Boeing for providing project funds.
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- Node updated 2018-04-30 15:36 by egp5082