3D printing CubeSat: a low-cost mode of space exploration

SWIMSat: Space Weather and Meteor Impact Monitoring using a Low-Cost 6U CubeSat

Networks of spacecraft are necessary to characterize and constantly monitor near-Earth threats such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, or impacts by large meteoroids. A network of CubeSat is ideally suited because of the low development cost and for demonstrating continuous monitoring of rare phenomena. In this paper, we describe the ongoing development of a single prototype spacecr...

Expanding CubeSat Capabilities with a Low Cost Transceiver

CubeSats have developed rapidly over the past decade with the advent of a containerized deployer system and ever increasing launch opportunities. These satellites have moved from an educational tool to teach students about engineering challenges associated with satellite design, to systems that are conducting cutting edge earth, space and solar science. Early variants of the CubeSat had limited...

A Simple, Low-Cost Conductive Composite Material for 3D Printing of Electronic Sensors

3D printing technology can produce complex objects directly from computer aided digital designs. The technology has traditionally been used by large companies to produce fit and form concept prototypes ('rapid prototyping') before production. In recent years however there has been a move to adopt the technology as full-scale manufacturing solution. The advent of low-cost, desktop 3D printers su...

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Space Exploration

Humanity faces many important decisions about space exploration. An important but controversial decision making paradigm is cost-benefit analysis (CBA). This paper discusses some ethical considerations in CBA that are important to decision making about space exploration, including: how we define costs and benefits; space exploration’s non-market value; the standing of future humans and of extra...

Low-Cost Open-Source Voltage and Current Monitor for Gas Metal Arc Weld 3D Printing