Arduino in space!

Soon to be deployed as part of the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment test program, the Pollux satellite carries student-designed payloads built with Arduino –

Westfield High School accelerometer payload: This payload uses the Atmega16 microcontroller and measures the voltage of three SCA610 accelerometers made by VTI Technologies. The accelerometers will be used to detect rotation in three axis. Software was developed using the Arduino software which makes programming in C/C++ easy.

Marshall Academy gyroscope payload: This payload also uses the Atmega16 microcontroller and Arduino software. The payload collects the rotation rate and temperature from each of the three Melexis MLX90609 gyroscopes. The 75 degree/sec version was selected to support measuring rotation rates up to 12.5 rpm.

Federation of Galaxy Explorers Gyroscope payload: This payload also uses the Atmega16 microcontroller and Arduino software. The gyroscopes are Analog Devices ADXRS401 75 degree/sec devices. Also included in the payload is the PNI Corp. MicroMag3 3-axis magnetometer.

(I’m guessing they meant to say “ATMega168”, instead “ATMega16” ?) Read more on the project on the Stensat Group’s site. [via Arduino Blog]

In the Maker Shed:

Arduino Duemilanove