SharkSat-1 is a CubeSat project funded by NASA’s CSLI program, aiming for a 2027 launch. The mission serves as a student-led platform for space systems development, integration, and testing. From 2023 to 2025, I served as the Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) Lead, focusing on system modeling, requirements planning, and early-stage design decisions critical for the satellite’s long-term survivability and power efficiency in orbit.

SharkSat Power System Top-Level Diagram

As the EPS Lead, I oversaw the selection of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to ensure compliance with NASA’s launch requirements. This included verifying that all EPS voltages were compatible with each onboard system. I maintained and regularly updated our team's master components sheet, making sure every device's power and voltage specifications were accurate and clearly reported. I also worked closely with several subsystem teams, many of whom lacked electrical experience, to help them report power and current consumption correctly for design reviews.

One major challenge came from the transceiver selected by the Communications subsystem, which required 15 to 30 volts. This was higher than what our EPS could provide. The NanoPower P31U does not include a built-in boost converter, so we considered changing the battery configuration from 4P-2S to 2P-4S. However, this would bring the nominal battery voltage to 17 volts, which was too close to the solar panels’ maximum of 18.3 volts and left no margin. Even after we advised against it, the Comm team decided to keep the transceiver. To support their decision, I designed a contingency boost converter using the LM2700. The plan was to take the unregulated 7.2 volt battery output from the P31U and boost it to 20 volts, which fell safely within the transceiver's operating range. I also had my team install Altium and begin reviewing the datasheet as part of the early design process, although we did not move forward with building the converter.

After completing the planning and initial datasheet review, the Communications team ultimately chose to overhaul their system following our Preliminary Design Review. Their revised design no longer required a boost converter, so the contingency plan was set aside. While the change made our workaround unnecessary, the experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and early cross-subsystem coordination in satellite development.