# Project Stratosphere: Sustainable CubeSat Design & Simulation
> Learn how students at Gower College Swansea designed a low-cost 1U CubeSat for ozone layer monitoring and atmospheric research in the UK stratosphere.

Tags: cubesat, stem-project, environmental-monitoring, ozone-layer, aerospace-engineering, high-altitude-balloon, satellite-design
## Project Stratosphere: Mission Overview
* **Project Goal**: Design and simulate a 1U CubeSat (10x10x10cm) for ozone and greenhouse gas monitoring at 10–20 km altitude.
* **Team**: Six A-Level students from Gower College Swansea in association with University of South Wales.

## Mission Definition & Objectives
* **Core Goal**: Create a low-cost environmental sensing payload under £200.
* **Key Sensors**: Ozone (O₃), UV, pressure, temperature, and humidity.
* **Environmental Constraints**: Resistance to −50°C and low atmospheric pressure.

## System & Structural Design
* **Frame**: Aluminium alloy (6061-T6) with 3D-printed internal chassis.
* **Core Electronics**: Seeeduino Lotus Cortex-M0+ microcontroller and LiPo 3.7V / 2Ah battery.

## Electronics & Science
* **Primary Sensor**: DFRobot Gravity IIC Ozone Sensor (0–10 ppm range).
* **Atmospheric Data**: Uses the Barometric Formula to correlate pressure readings with real-time altitude.

## Thermal & Power Management
* **Thermal Strategy**: EPP foam, Mylar blankets, and chemical heat packs to maintain operation at stratospheric temperatures.
* **Power Budget**: Estimated runtime of 5.9 hours, exceeding the 1.5–3 hour flight target.

## Risk Assessment & Budget
* **Mitigations**: Parachute for impact, NOTAM filing for aviation safety, and conformal coating for moisture protection.
* **Total Budget**: £88.30 spent on core components out of a £200 limit (56% savings).
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