Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Dan White
College
College of Engineering (COE)
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
The Valparaiso University Satellite Project is developing a 0.5U ThinSat payload in partnership with Near Space Launch (NSL). This abstract highlights the NSE Bus Emulator, a critical testing platform that replicates the NSL ThinSat bus interface.
Our emulator consists of a custom-designed PCB, fabricated through JLCPCB with SMD components pre-assembled, integrated with an Arduino Mega. The hardware provides identical mounting and connector configurations to the actual ThinSat bus, supplying regulated power rails (3.3V, 5V, and BUSS6-9V) with current measurement capabilities and software-controlled power switches.
The software builds upon NSL's proprietary Arduino code, enhanced by our faculty advisor to improve power switching control and transmission command handling. These modifications enable accurate simulation of the ThinSat bus behavior.
This emulator is essential for testing our satellite's communications system, which uses both NSL's Iridium-based S4 radio and a custom antenna for downlinking data to SatNOGS ground stations. Through the emulator, we can simulate uplink commands, test payload responses, and verify power consumption before integration with flight hardware.
Beyond its technical function, the emulator provides students with practical experience in PCB design, embedded systems programming, and hardware-software integration. As we progress toward launching our first satellite, the NSE Bus Emulator remains critical for final validation testing, ensuring mission success while building capacity for future space science research at Valparaiso University.
Recommended Citation
Blanton, Kenny and Scott, Ranger, "NSE Bus Emulator for Valparaiso University ThinSat Project" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1460.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1460
