About 

    The Lassonde Satellite Club is the York University representative for the bi-annual Canadian Satellite Design Competition (CSDC). We provide students of all disciplines an opportunity to develop hands on technical skills. Members learn how to design, prototype, test, and assemble a cubesat (cube satellite). Students get experience working in software, RF communications, mechanical, electrical, and ACS teams. LASSAT is an open learning environment for students of all skill levels and backgrounds. No prior skills required.

    Contact information 

    The best way to reach us is via our discord. Please use this link to join our discord https://discord.gg/jvVBswdUeS

    When & How does the club meet? 

    See the club's Google Calendar to see upcoming meetings and events. Note that there is a link in the bottom right that can be used to add it to your Google Calendar.

    How many teams are there? What does each team do? 

    There are 6 teams (1 per subsystem):

    • Attitude Control System (ACS) Monitors and adjusts a satellite's orientation while in orbit. Usually, a CubeSat ACS consists of reaction wheels and magnetorquers.
    • Communications Responsible for uplink and downlink between the CubeSat and ground stations, antenna design, etc.
    • Electrical Printed circuit board (PCB) design, solar panel array design, power budgets, etc.
    • Mechanical Structural and thermal analysis of the CubeSat, 3D modelling, manufacturing, and assembly planning.
    • Payload Varies based on the project. In previous CSDC missions there were payloads meant to take optical, atmospheric, and other forms of data.
    • Software Programs the on-board computer (OBC) and all other software needs.

    More information can be found in the section of the wiki for each subsystem and also fee free to ask question on discord.

    What is the Canadian Satellite Design Competition (CSDC)? 

    The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC) is a Canada-wide competition for teams of university students (undergraduate and graduate) to design and build a small satellite. The satellites will undergo full launch and space environmental qualification testing, with the goal of launching the winning satellite into orbit in order to conduct scientific research. The CSDC is an innovative and academically-challenging initiative which will advance space education in Canada, inspire students to pursue science and engineering educations and careers, and prepare tomorrow’s leaders with the interdisciplinary teamwork skills which are necessary for success. (See more at their site here: https://www.csdcms.ca/)

    Previously, LASSAT put all of its effort towards the CSDC. In the past year, we've decided that we want to be a student hub for CubeSat design at Lassonde, helping new and current students succeed in the space industry. We are always looking for new CubeSat projects to work on while training members with workshops covering all aspects of CubeSat design. Participating (and winning) in the CSDC is still a priority of ours.

    Do you offer training to new members? 

    YES! We run workshops throughout the year on various aspects of CubeSat design. Don't worry if you're new or un-familiar with satellite design, all the Team Leads started in the same position as you did!

    Will these skills and opportunities help me find a job in the space industry? 

    100%. CubeSats are becoming more and more common the canadian space industry and abroad. LASSAT gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge to use by designing and doing hands-on work for CubeSats. We regularly get feedback from Lassonde professors (such as Hugh Chesser) who are veterans of the space industry. We use industry-standard software in our CubeSat design that will help prepare you for industry. In addition, while participating in the CSDC our members have visited many canadian space industry partners, including ABB, Magellan, and more!

    What are some examples of skills or software that I can learn in LASSAT? 

    Here is a list including some software we use and teach students about:

    • Systems Tool Kit (STK) used at countless companies to perform orbital, communications, solar, and other forms of analysis, they have a free certification program we recommend people check out! Instructions to Install VPN client and STK software for Lassonde students.
    • Siemens NX Computer-aided design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) application commonly used in the space industry to perform structural and thermal analysis.
    • Altium Designer Circuit board design application we use to design our solar arrays and other circuit boards.
    • Hands-on skills such as Soldering, Manufacturing, and more!

    How can I get involved in LASSAT? 

    Join our discord, and let us know what you are interested in, and we'll help you find somewhere to contribute. Don't worry about not having previous experience it's not a requirement, we are all here to learn and develop. Feel free to check out as many subsystems as you like to find what interests you.