Systems engineering and ground station software for the CanX-2 nanosatellite

The primary mission of the CanX-2 research nanosatellite is to flight test technology needed to perform an autonomous nanosatellite formation flight. This technology includes a GPS receiver, a cold-gas propulsion system and a three-axis stabilized attitude system. CanX-2 also includes science and technology payloads with diverse objectives. CanX-2 is 34cm in length with a 10cm by 10cm cross-section and a mass of 3.5kg. Virtually all of CanX-2's subsystems have been developed at the Space Flight Laboratory by a team of graduate students and experienced staff. A ground station, using custom software, has also been assembled at SFL to control the spacecraft. This thesis describes systems engineering work and ground station software development for the CanX-2 project. Challenges encountered and mistakes made are discussed to benefit future satellite designers. Although incomplete upon submission of this thesis, the satellite's design is finished and its construction and testing are both well under way.