STATISTICS

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THE MISSION

The goal of SAGE is to give students the environment and the possibility to gather hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary space project. We aim to bring cutting-edge scientific research to space and inspire the next generation of engineers and professionals.

Bringing Science to Space

The CubeSat Mission SAGE investigates the aging of human cells in the microgravity conditions of low earth orbit. With the growing significance of space exploration, understanding the impact of space on the aging of the human body is crucial. By keeping a state-of-the-art human model system alive and in optimal conditions inside the payload of our satellite, which usually requires a complex medical laboratory set up, we are able to gather scientifically relevant data directly in orbit.

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Mission Definition 100%
Preliminary Design 100%
Critical Design 85%
Qualification and Verification 0%

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The SAGE CubeSat is designed with a focus on in-house developed modules and complemented by flight-proven components to decrease the project risk. To minimize the chances of mission failure, each system is extensively tested.

SAGE CubeSat Development Model

SUBSYSTEMS

The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) is responsible for finding and controlling the current attitude and position of the CubeSat. This is done by using various sensors, such as gyroscopes, magnetometers, and sun sensors, to detect the environment. The information from the sensors is then processed and the actual position and attitude is estimated using our own state estimation software. Using the setpoint for the position and attitude given by the mission planning, our actuators are used to move the CubeSat towards the setpoint. We will be using reaction wheels, small electric motors with weights attached to them, which are able to apply a torque to the CubeSat when spun up, and magnetorquers, which use the earth magnetic field and a coil to move the CubeSat. This allows us to change the CubeSats attitude according to our needs. Further, the ADCS system allows us to spin the CubeSat up to about 1 rad/s to perform experiments in a milli–gravity environment inside of the CubeSat.

The communications system (COM) will be the only way to reach to our satellite once it is in space. It will be used to monitor the CubeSats health, send commands and recieve data from the Payloads. The SAGE mission develops its own communications system including UHF and S-Band.

The Electrical Power System (EPS) is the powerhouse of the CubeSat. Implementing state-of-the-art Solar Panels, a Power Distribution Module and an integrated Battery Pack, the EPS generates, stores and conditions power that is then available for all other sub-systems. Expertise areas of the EPS sub-team comprise Simulation, Power Conditioning and Distribution, and Power Mode Scheduling.

The On-Board Computer (OBC) will function as the brain of our SAGE CubeSat. It will be in-house developed and will be powered by an ARM Cortex M4 Microcontroller. It will provide processing resources to our CubeSat, to control and ensure system’s health. It will schedule all the subsystem tasks and will dictate the subsystem’s modes based on the available power and health status of the system. Whenever an error occurs in the system or within a subsystem, OBC will react accordingly to ensure safe operations in space. It will also function as a local data-storage platform, to log system and flight information. Furthermore, the experimental data created by the payload will be stored within the OBC’s memory, too. The COM subsystem can ask for the data stored in memory such that the stored data can be transmitted back to earth.  

The SAGE Payload brings cutting-edge science to space. The Payload aims to build a system to host a biological experiment, investigating how aging happens differently in humans in space. To enable this, we are building the first of its kind fully automated way to perform highly precise cell culture in space, together with a fluorescent microscope with a single-cell resolution able to fit inside 1 Unit. This will be the first time that an experiment with human cell lines will be performed in a CubeSat.

The Structure (STR) of a CubeSat provides the mounting locations for the subsystems, components and must ensure the structural integrity of the satellite from the insertion into its deployer until the end of its lifetime. It must withstand the physical loads generated by the launcher during the ascend and later the radiation and temperature changes of space, all while being as lightweight as possible.

Thermal control is one of the most important aspects of CubeSat design and operation. The thermal control system (TCS) of a CubeSat is responsible for maintaining the temperature of the satellite within its operating limits. The system typically consists of passive and active means. The challenge is to keep the temperature in the operating ranges while the satellite is exposed to the harsh space environment.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By supporting SAGE, you get the opportunity to contribute to:

  • education in the field of aerospace engineering and science
  • cutting-edge research in the field of aging
  • novel technology for small satellites
  • the next generation of highly skilled engineers and scientists

JOIN

Become part of our journey to space!

Are you interested in space and want to be a part of something bigger? We are looking for talented and motivated students to help us design, build, and launch a small satellite into orbit. You will gain hands-on experience with spaceflight hardware, learn new skills, make valuable business connections, and gain friends for life. What we require from you is flexible 10-15 hours per week as well as motivation and team spirit.

Join now and work with a team of passionate students to realize the development of the first-ever CubeSat mission sending human cells to space. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on a real space mission and make a difference in the world of space exploration!

THE TEAM

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We are SAGE

SAGE is a diverse team consisting of ETH, HSLU, and ZHAW students from various engineering and science disciplines. What brings us all together is our passion for space and contributing to novel technology for small satellites and cutting-edge research in the field of aging.  We do all of this with a common goal: Launching and operating our very own satellite and thus, inspiring the next generation of aerospace engineers and professionals.

COLLABORATION WITH AMSAT-HB

The amateur radio payload is developed in collaboration with the
Ham Radio Community AMSAT-HB. Our communication engineers are in close contact with its members, who support us with their broad knowledge in our reviews.

Together with AMSAT-HB, SAGE is actively engaged in STEM education. With our in-house developed linear transponder, we want to inspire many young people to get involved with amateur radio. We take part in exhibitions such as the Air and Space Days at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne or present our project at tech-days in grammar schools.

SUPPORTERS AND SPONSORS

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

GALACTIC PARTNERS

STELLAR PARTNERS

LUNAR PARTNERS