PRISM Student Lead: Ryan Coder Student Team Members: Charles Allen, Ryan Coder, Chanel Davis, Isaiah Gale, Owen Glascoe, Zachary McKissor, Tanner Whitney Faculty: Dr. Siwei Fan and Dr. Matthew Haslam The Proximity and Rendezvous Integrated Simulation Model (PRISM) project is developing a frictionless planar testbed and modular mock-satellite system for testing autonomous spacecraft control algorithms. PRISM enables safe, repeatable evaluation of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) logic in an emulated orbital environment. The system consists of two main components: an air table and a mock-satellite (MockSat). The air table provides a low-friction surface using pressurized air to simulate two-dimensional microgravity motion, while the MockSat integrates propulsion, sensors, and onboard processing for real-time control. Equipped with propellers for attitude and translational control, an inertial measurement unit for rate sensing, and Bluetooth-enabled telemetry, the MockSat supports multiple operational modes including manual, assisted, and autonomous. A built-in data logger records vehicle states and command histories for post-test analysis. Together, the air table and MockSat form a scalable platform for validating estimation filters, trajectory planning, and disturbance rejection in proximity operations. The PRISM system will serve as a long-term educational and research asset for spacecraft dynamics and control, bridging theoretical coursework with applied experimentation in autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies. SNAPUR Student Lead: Naomi Borg Student Team Members: Aiden Angoco, Jasmine Aranda, Naomi Borg, Jaxon Danner, Jacob Haney, Natalie Kauffman, Ethan Murphy, James Orcutt Faculty: Dr. Kaela Martin and Dr. Dawn Armfield Space Non-Actuating Portable Utility Receptacle (SNAPUR) is an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tool receiver and receptacle that is composed of two parts. One part is bolted to the astronaut’s suit’s swingarms and the other part is bolted to the tools. SNAPUR will improve astronauts’ ease of access to necessary tools during EVA repairs. EVA excursions can last up to eight hours, during which astronauts traverse outside of the ISS carrying multiple tools. The current method of storing tools utilizes the Mini Workstation (MWS) which requires two hands and dedicated actuation to detach and reattach tools to the swingarm. Two-handed dedicated actuation becomes cumbersome quickly because astronauts often find themselves unable to use both hands or in unusual body positions. SNAPUR will reduce usage to one-handed installation and remove the need for dedicated actuation to reduce EVA time. SNAPUR will also save costs during EVA’s and improve astronaut safety while preventing tool loss. In accordance with the Micro-g NExT Challenge and our expected outcomes, SNAPUR will enable one- handed tool installation with minimum actuations, while maintaining single-fault tolerance and ergonomics. Should SNAPUR be selected by NASA, it will be tested in Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab.
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SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS
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