Precision mechatronics / 2 videos
Satellite Tracking and Motion Control
Connecting precision mechanisms, position feedback, and trajectory generation to follow a moving satellite.
Kinematics / 2024-present
This portfolio features publicly available demonstrations of my development work. Confidential company information and proprietary design details are excluded.
From a calculated trajectory to physical motion
Satellite tracking brings mechanical accuracy and motion control together. A calculated path must be translated into smooth, precise movement by the positioner, with motor drives and encoder feedback working alongside the mechanical transmission.
My work connected these parts of the system: designing the mechanism, integrating actuation and sensing, and developing trajectory-generation and tracking algorithms. Mechanical backlash and tracking errors had to be addressed together to meet pointing requirements.
My engineering contribution
I designed a two-degree-of-freedom XY satellite positioner with planetary and worm gear trains, applying GD&T and tolerance analysis for sub-degree alignment. Actuator development reduced backlash from 0.2° to 0.03°.
I integrated BLDC motor drives and high-resolution absolute rotary encoders, and used ROS 2 and Gazebo to simulate robotic systems. In Python, I developed trajectory-generation and tracking algorithms using satellite orbital data, including filtering to smooth the commanded paths.
The work extended through design validation and collaboration with external vendors on factory acceptance testing, connecting prototype development with manufacturing requirements.
Tracking demonstrations
Two demonstrations of the positioning system and satellite-tracking motion.