HC1 Mission Overview

Mission Name: HC1

Launch Date: TBD

Mission Objective : The primary objective of the HC1 mission is to collect and

analyze comprehensive data on the satellite's movements and orientation in space.

This data will be crucial for developing advanced satellite technologies and systems

for future missions with more complex payloads.

Mission Purpose: The HC1 satellite is designed to act as a testbed for various

motion and orientation sensors. By capturing high-precision data on the satellite's

behavior in orbit, the mission aims to enhance our understanding of satellite

dynamics. This information will be instrumental in designing more sophisticated

satellites with specific scientific, communication, or observational goals.

Key Goals:

1. Data Collection:

○ Gather detailed information on the satellite's linear acceleration,

angular velocity, and magnetic orientation.

○ Use this data to understand how the satellite moves and stabilizes in

space.

2. Sensor Testing:

○ Evaluate the performance and reliability of different motion and

orientation sensors under real space conditions.

○ Identify the best sensor combinations for future missions.

3. System Validation:

○ Test the integration and functionality of the satellite's onboard systems,

including power management, communication, and data processing

units.

○ Ensure that all systems work seamlessly together to support the

satellite's operational needs.

4. Foundation for Future Missions:

○ Use the data and insights gained from the HC1 mission to inform the

design and development of subsequent satellites.

○ Plan and execute more advanced missions with specific scientific or

practical applications based on the findings from HC1.

Mission Significance: The HC1 mission represents a critical step in the ongoing

development of satellite technology. By focusing on the precise measurement and

analysis of movement and orientation data, HC1 will provide invaluable insights that

will shape the future of satellite missions. This foundational mission will pave the way

for more specialized and ambitious projects, ultimately contributing to the

advancement of space exploration and utilization.

Expected Outcomes:

● A comprehensive dataset detailing the satellite's movements and orientation

in space.

● Enhanced understanding of the performance and integration of various

sensors and systems.

● Improved satellite design and operational strategies for future missions.

● Establishment of a solid knowledge base for subsequent satellite projects with

specific goals and applications.

Conclusion: The HC1 mission is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of our

knowledge in satellite motion and orientation. By meticulously collecting and

analyzing data from a suite of advanced sensors, HC1 will set the stage for future

satellite missions that are more targeted and capable. The success of HC1 will mark

a significant milestone in our journey to explore and utilize space more effectivel

Light Tracking: The Helios Cube

The Helios Cube is a beautiful desktop kinetic sculpture. Instead of driving around on wheels, it uses a Pan/Tilt base to rotate its glowing crystalline structure toward the brightest light source in its environment, mimicking biological phototaxis (like a sunflower tracking the sun).

The Sensor Array Bridge

A single light sensor isn't enough to track movement; you need a differential array.

1. You mount four LDRs (Photoresistors) on the four sides of a 3D-printed pyramid or cube (Top, Bottom, Left, Right).
2. The Arduino reads all four analog pins continuously: analogRead(A0) through A3.
3. The Math: It calculates the difference between opposite sensors. int horizontalDifference = leftSensor - rightSensor; int verticalDifference = topSensor - bottomSensor;

Kinematic Execution

Once the differences are established, the Arduino drives two Micro Servos (SG90).

• If horizontalDifference > 50 (The left side is significantly brighter): The Arduino commands the Azimuth (Pan) servo to swing left until the sensors equalize.
• By placing this inside an active while loop, the cube fluidly and continuously tracks a flashlight beamed across the room!

System Hardware

• Arduino Uno/Nano: The processor.
• 4x Light Dependent Resistors (LDR).
• 2x Micro Servos on a Pan/Tilt bracket.
• NeoPixels: (Optional) Placed inside the translucent cube to change colors based on how much light it is capturing!

HC1-A-V-1.00.3

Abstract

This paper presents an implementation of a comprehensive environmental

monitoring system utilizing Arduino-compatible GNSS, geomagnetic, and inertial

sensors. The system integrates DFRobot's GNSS, BMM150 geomagnetic sensor,

and BMI160 accelerometer/gyroscope to provide accurate geolocation, orientation,

and motion data. The sensors communicate using I2C protocol, and the data is

processed and displayed via Serial Monitor. This setup can be extended for

applications in navigation, wearables, and environmental data logging.

1. Introduction

Environmental monitoring is critical in various applications, ranging from navigation

systems to fitness tracking. Accurate data collection regarding position, orientation,

and motion enhances the functionality and reliability of these applications. This paper

details the integration of GNSS, geomagnetic, and inertial sensors with an Arduino

microcontroller, providing a robust solution for comprehensive environmental

monitoring.

2. System Components

2.1. GNSS Module The GNSS module provides geolocation data, including latitude,

longitude, altitude, and the number of satellites used. It supports multiple GNSS

systems (GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS) to ensure reliable positioning.

2.2. Geomagnetic Sensor (BMM150) The BMM150 geomagnetic sensor measures

the Earth's magnetic field across three axes (x, y, z). This data is used to determine

the compass heading and can be combined with other sensor data for enhanced

orientation tracking.

2.3. Inertial Measurement Unit (BMI160) The BMI160 includes an accelerometer

and gyroscope, providing motion and orientation data. It is capable of counting steps,

which is useful in fitness applications and wearable devices.

3. Methodology

3.1. Hardware Configuration The sensors are connected to the Arduino using the I2C

protocol, which allows for efficient and straightforward communication. The GNSS

module is powered and configured via the I2C interface, and similar procedures are

followed for the BMM150 and BMI160 sensors.

3.2. Software Implementation The software, written in C++ for the Arduino

environment, initializes and configures the sensors, collects data, and prints it to the

Serial Monitor. Error handling mechanisms ensure robust operation even in the event

of sensor initialization failures.

3.3. Data Processing and Output The collected data includes:

● GNSS: UTC time, date, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed over ground, and

course over ground.

● BMM150: Magnetic field data (x, y, z) and compass heading.

● BMI160: Step count and motion data.

The data is processed and output to the Serial Monitor, providing a comprehensive

overview of the environmental conditions.

5. Results and Discussion

The system successfully integrates and collects data from the GNSS, BMM150, and

BMI160 sensors. The GNSS module provides accurate geolocation data, while the

BMM150 sensor offers reliable geomagnetic readings, and the BMI160 sensor tracks

motion and step count. This comprehensive data collection enables robust

environmental monitoring, useful in various applications such as navigation,

wearable devices, and environmental data logging.

6. Conclusion

This paper presents a successful integration of GNSS, geomagnetic, and inertial

sensors using an Arduino microcontroller. The system demonstrates reliable

performance in collecting and displaying comprehensive environmental data. Future

work includes extending this setup to incorporate additional sensors and developing

algorithms for advanced data fusion and analysis.

7. References

● DFRobot GNSS Library: DFRobot_GNSS.h

● DFRobot BMM150 Library: DFRobot_BMM150.h

● DFRobot BMI160 Library: DFRobot_BMI160.h

● Arduino Documentation: Arduino