UTAT Space Systems Advances FINCH CubeSat Development
The University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT) Space Systems division is bringing space technology down to earth with recent developments on the FINCH CubeSat.
In an exciting step forward, the team has set up a new high-tech clean workspace under the guidance of outgoing Mission Operations team lead Max Michet. This ISO 5 rated Clean-Bench will serve as the assembly site for FINCH and future missions, ensuring components meet the exact standards required for space operations. Special thanks to Darsh Shah, Atharva Deshpande, Nojan Ahmadi, Dean Su, and Khang Nguyen for helping with the assembly!
Pictured above (from left to right): Mission Operations Members Dean Su, Atharva Deshpande, Nojan Ahmandi, and Max Michet
The Mechanical team, led by Sakeena Qureshi, recently achieved a key milestone with the completion of a 3D printed prototype for FINCH's top subassembly. This comprehensive model, spanning from the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) module to the battery pack, serves as a tool for validating assembly procedures and spatial relationships between components. Next up, the team will continue validating the design with metal structures to prepare to work with flight hardware!
Pictured above: Completed Prototype
The Payload Mechanical (PayMech) team, led by Ksenya Narkevich, achieved a significant milestone as well with their first metal prototype. Working alongside general members Mario Ghio Neto, Adnan Machado, and Theaswanth Ganesh, the team transformed digital designs into reality at the MIE machine shop. They crafted a precision lens barrel and conducted comprehensive testing with 3D-printed prototypes, carefully evaluating component fits, assembly sequences, and optical element placement.
Pictured above (from left to right): Ksenya Narkevich and Pay-Mech Members Mario Ghio Neto, Adnan Machado, Theaswanth Ganesh
During Fall Campus Day recently, UTAT Space Systems joined forces with the Rocketry, UAS, and Policy Divisions at their Bahen Centre booth. Team members engaged with prospective students, sharing their passion for space technology through demonstrations of the HERON and FINCH missions. The event caught the attention of Dean Christopher Yip, who highlighted UTAT's outreach efforts on his social media.
Pictured above: UTAT Fall Campus Day Outreach Tabling Team
These developments demonstrate FINCH's progression from Phase C (detailed design) to Phase D (building and testing), with plans to establish a dedicated Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) team. This new team brings representatives from FINCH's 15 subsystem teams, spearheading subsystem collaboration throughout the integration process. For students passionate about hands-on aerospace engineering, UTAT Space Systems continues to exemplify that the journey to space can begin on campus.