AS People: inside the role of a Mechanical & Configuration Engineer with Jacopo Fabbri at Apogeo Space

In the fourth edition of our AS People series, we sit down with Jacopo Fabbri , Mechanical & Configuration Engineer at Apogeo Space. Jacopo shares insights into the critical work involved in designing and managing the mechanical and structural components of our picosatellites, ensuring they can withstand the challenging conditions of space.

What exactly does your role as a Mechanical & Configuration Engineer entail in our company?

As a Mechanical & Configuration Engineer at Apogeo, my job covers the design and management of the mechanical and structural components of our picosatellites. I develop and optimize these components using advanced CAD software, ensuring they meet stringent project specifications and can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

Additionally, I plan and organize the internal layout of the satellite to maximize efficiency and functionality, with the goal of managing the physical and functional interfaces between the mechanical and structural parts and other subsystems, ensuring seamless integration.

By working closely with other teams, I ensure that our satellites meet all technical specifications and customer requirements. This collaborative effort is essential to the successful development and deployment of our picosatellites.

What are the main challenges you face when designing the mechanical and structural components of a satellite?

Designing the mechanical and structural components of a satellite involves several significant challenges. One major challenge is ensuring that the satellite can endure the extreme conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, high radiation levels, and the vacuum environment. This requires designing components that are both robust and reliable under such conditions.

Another challenge is optimizing the design to adhere to strict weight and space constraints, which makes it essential to miniaturize components without compromising their performance. The satellite must also withstand intense vibrations and shocks during launch, so designing structures that can handle these stresses is crucial.

Integrating complex systems within the satellite and managing the mechanical and structural interfaces to ensure harmonious operation is another ongoing challenge. Additionally, selecting materials that are not only lightweight and strong but also specifically tailored for space conditions is critical. This often involves researching and incorporating new and innovative materials that push the boundaries of current technology, enhancing performance and durability. Ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations further adds to the complexity, making the pursuit of advanced materials a vital aspect of the design process.

How do you ensure that our picosatellites are resilient and reliable in space?

To ensure that our picosatellites are resilient and reliable in space, I use rigorous testing and quality assurance processes throughout the design and production phases. This includes conducting environmental tests that simulate the extreme conditions of space, such as thermal cycling, by means of our thermal vacuum chamber, as well as vibration and shock tests to replicate launch conditions.

Comprehensive performance evaluations of all components and systems are also performed to verify their reliability. Additionally, we use advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to enhance the durability and performance of our satellites.

Continuous monitoring and refinement of our designs help us identify and address potential issues early, ensuring that each satellite meets the highest standards of resilience and reliability. Collaboration with other teams ensures that all aspects of the satellite, from mechanical to electronic components, are thoroughly tested and validated, resulting in a robust final product ready for deployment.

Jacopo’s insights reveal the meticulous and collaborative effort required to design and build resilient and reliable picosatellites. Stay tuned for more stories from the dedicated team at Apogeo Space in our AS People series.