Preliminary System Development and Detailed Structural Design and Analysis for the CanX-7 Nanosatellite

Satellites placed in LEO can remain there for an indefinite period of time. To reduce the density of this orbit so as to avoid potential collisions with other satellites, the IADC has published a report that suggests any satellite in LEO should de-orbit within 25 years. CanX-7 is a de-orbiting technology demonstration mission intended to help solve the global space debris problem. The work summarized in this thesis describes the author's contribution to the CanX-7 preliminary system development, as well as to the deployment detection and structural subsystems. Discussed herein are the challenges of carrying forward multiple designs in parallel and the factors and design trades that aid the decision-making process. This thesis not only presents the description of the final design of the nanosatellite, but also the evolution of the spacecraft from when it was initially envisioned in 2010 to its current state at the time of this writing.