CanSat 2024 Competition Recap

The MinneSat team recently returned from the 2024 CanSat competition in Virginia, where we competed against teams from around the world. Our satellite design, which focused on innovative sensor integration and reliable deployment mechanisms, performed exceptionally well during the launch.

Design Challenges

One of the biggest challenges we faced during the design phase was miniaturizing our sensor package while maintaining reliability. Our electrical team developed a custom PCB that integrated all required sensors while our mechanical team created a robust deployment system that protected the delicate components during the high-g launch.

Launch Day

Launch day was both exciting and nerve-wracking. After months of preparation, seeing our CanSat loaded into the rocket was a moment of pride for the entire team. The launch went smoothly, and our satellite deployed exactly as planned at the target altitude.

Results

We're proud to announce that MinneSat placed in the top 10 at the competition, with particularly high scores in the telemetry and recovery categories. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of all team members throughout the year.

Looking Forward

This experience has provided valuable insights that will inform our approach to next year's competition. We're already brainstorming new ideas and improvements for our 2025 design.