Structural

FloripaSat nanosatellite is a satellite under the CubeSat category, more specifically of 1U type. Its cubic shape, with aproximatelly 10cm on each side, must acomodate EPS, OBDH, TT&C, secure elements (kill switch and remove before flight) and resist to vacuum environment, structural efforts, vibration and thermal cycling during launching until the end of its life on orbit. The standardization of CubeSats allows the reduction of costs, interexchangeability of parts among diverse suppliers and minimize failures by using components inserted on successful previous projects.

FloripaSat cubesat applies this principle for selection of its structure and uses the commercial model ISIS 1-Unit CubeSat, as observed on next image.

FloripaSat cubesat applies this principle for determining its structure and uses the commercial model ISIS 1-Unit CubeSat, as observed on next image.
Made of aluminum, the structure has the exact dimensions to fit in the P-POD. The rail contacts are finished with anodized aluminum, providing enough sliding when ejected from P-POD.

In order to maintain the satellite shutdown inside P-POD, two kill switches are placed on the botton of FloripaSat. When positioning FloripaSat in P-POD, a plate with a spring touches the lowest surfaces of the cubesat and press the kill switch mechanism. The small axis moves upward and displace the electric contact, not allowing any energy to ailment FloripaSat´s modules. This systems is made redundant by employing a dual kill switch, one in each opposite rail road botton.

Internally, payloads are mounted using PC104 standard. It assures a single position for every module,