Center of Gravity Table

This work is aimed at designing a device that could measure the Center of Gravity (COG) of a CubeSat that has configurations of up to 6U in three-dimensional coordinates. The determined COG value from this device is used to ensure a functional design of this miniaturized satellite, designed by the sponsor. To achive this goal the team had investigated multiple methods when it came to accurately determine the COG. The team considered rotating the platform to get COG results, but the method involves high costs and development time. Therefore, the team decided to use an aluminum plate, four load cells on the corners the table frame in order to measure the COG. In order to read the signals from the load cells, the team used an Analog to Digital Convertor(ADC) along with a Raspberry Pi. To use the COG table, the user must put the CubeSat in the designated areas of the 3U and 6U outline on the table to establish a consistent coordinate system. The table is able to measure the COG in two-dimensions. However, to obtain a third-dimension reading, the user must rotate the CubeSat 90 degrees to another axis. The program combines the two 2D measurements and finds the exact location of the COG for the CubeSat. The results are given in coordinate form with an accuracy of +/- 1 mm and can tell the user exactly where the center of gravity is on the chosen plane. This fills the criteria specified by the sponsor.