The Payload team of SEDSat2 consists of physics and computer science students at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. The payload sub-team is responsible for the design and construction of the CubeSat payload.

In the concept design phase of the project, the payload team was responsible for suggesting and evaluating different payload proposals as well as receiving such from other subsystems. Each concept was thoroughly examined by criteria such as risk, technical complexity and educational potential.

The goal of this procedure was the payload selection process, which was carried out after the various payload concepts were properly researched. For the actual selection the payload team produced a report to the rest of the project participants, presenting its evaluations of each concept as well as recommending several concepts for a project-wide vote.

News from the Payload team:

The payload team is currently looking for 2-3 invidiuals who are interested in contributing to the development and construction of the SEDSAT-II payload system. This will involve creating hardware and software for an embedded platform that must be designed to be robust enough to operate reliably in the harsh conditions of outer space.

The primary payload will consist of a high resolution imaging system that will capture images of earth, analyze these for interesting features and place them in a download que according to quality.

It is expected that the applicant will have completed at least 2 years of University studies, majoring in electronic engineering, computer science or similar fields. Previous experience with software development for embedded systems is a requirement. Experience with Linux programming is an advantage.

Application form here.

Set at the idyllic campus of the Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey it was time for the first UK Space Conference. The SEDSAT-II Payload team was represented by several members through genereous student sponsorship provided by UKSEDS, offering accommodation and conference attendance at greatly reduced fees. Serving as the venue for this year’s conference was the Charter House School; An exclusive boarding school founded in the 17th century with it’s sprawling campus of grassy fields and traditional buildings situated on the outskirts of the small English town of Godalming.

Gathered at the conference was an eclectic mix of UK Space pioneers, students, aerospace professionals and international guest speakers, most notably represented by NASA test pilot Joe Engle. The event proved an excellent opportunity to meet with the “who’s who” of the British Space community as well as getting to know students wishing to pursue careers within the AeroSpace industry.

With a strong focus on students, the final day of the conference was designated a “student day” and included inspiring talks by young professionals as well as a careers fair where many of the leading companies were represented.

We would like to thank UKSEDS for a providing the conference to us at a greatly reduced price as well as extending a thank you to all the people who worked for months to make this conference happen. Hopefully this marks the start of a great UK tradition.

We are glad to welcome you to our new webpage. You will see that this page will update rapidly with the latest news from the SEDSAT II team. We would also like to remind everyone about our wiki-page at http://wiki.seds.org/index.php/SEDSAT-2.

SEDSAT II is an educational satellite project organized through SEDS Earth, involving student members from over 16 different nations and 5 different continents.