Description

This tradeoff involves finding a way to mount the splitter/combiner in the bottom subassembly in order to give the payload design a greater allowable height. The splitter/combiner has formerly been in the electrical stackup above the RF module. Right now the optics design is difficult because of the limited volume allocation, but this change will help make the design easier. The tradeoff will be discussed with the mechanical team as well as the paymech and RF teams to make sure to consider all factors.

Requirements

The following are a list of relevant requirements:

The solution must give the payload a greater allowable height
The splitter/combiner must not be modified
Wires connecting to and from the payload + backpack, star tracker, and splitter/combiner must be unobstructed
The splitter/combiner must be securely mounted to withstand forces during testing and launch
The splitter/combiner must not take up the space of any other components
The solution should not significantly increase the mass of the satellite
The solution should not significantly complicate the assembly process

Dimensions

These are the dimensions of the splitter/combiner for reference:

Criteria

The following are the criteria used to compare the options:

Height allocation for payload (mm)
Mass of satellite (g)