Year 2 Group Project - CubeSat & LFEP

As part of the SESA2030 Advanced Aerospace Systems Design module, I worked in a team to design, manufacture, and test a prototype CubeSat system with yaw-attitude control and low-friction motion capability. The CubeSat was mounted on a Low-Friction Environment Platform (LFEP), which supported yaw control using a custom reaction wheel, performance data collection, light-tracking and motion tests.

My main contribution was the LFEP design and manufacture. I developed a lightweight, stable and efficient platform layout while working within mass, dimensional, centre-of-gravity, fan-placement and safety constraints. The design also had to accommodate hover fans, translational thrusters, electronics and access for assembly and testing, within the wider team project.

The engineering process moved from requirements and concept development through CAD, manufacture, integration and testing. This made the trade-offs between packaging, manufacturability, assembly and motion performance visible rather than treating the LFEP as an isolated component.

During testing, our LFEP recorded the fastest mean speed and was the best-performing platform in the project. Mean speed was one of the assessed performance criteria. The project was also showcased at the University of Southampton 2026 Design Show as an example of the Year 2 project.

This project strengthened my experience in practical aerospace systems engineering, particularly in mechanical design, manufacturing, prototype testing and making design decisions under real performance constraints.