How to Build a Satellite

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Satellite technology is a fascinating field that makes use of some very clever engineering to overcome the challenges of designing for the space environment. This video explores the seven subsystems - the structure, the on-board computer, the electrical power system, the attitude determination and control system, the propulsion system, the communications system and the thermal control system - that make up a typical satellite bus.
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The Efficient Engineer is a channel aimed at mechanical and civil engineers. The mission is to simplify engineering concepts, one video at a time!
Follow me on Twitter: / efficiengineer

[@prathameshmore4739]

As a Satellite Systems Engineer myself, I can confirm this is the best explaination one can have in 27 mins. KUDOS.

[@Xarishher]

How did you become one?

[@Xarishher]

@@prathameshmore4739 Wow - Amazing, do you like your job as a satellite systems engineer?

[@iampiyushsingh7544]

Was looking for classical "as a xyz" comment

[@prathameshmore4739]

@@iampiyushsingh7544 welcome;)

[@prathameshmore4739]

@@iampiyushsingh7544 Your welcome :)

[@Doctor_Yuri]

I work on satellites and this could honestly be a great intro video to show someone for an internship.

[@evridgepope]

I am finishing an internship working on satellites and i can confirm i wish i saw this 12 weeks ago lol

[@evridgepope]

oh wait a minute hey yuri lmao

[@mrbaker9113]

As a Junior in my aerospace engineering degree, whose looking for an internship, this was a really great video :D

[@chikubulo9950]

Hello Dr. Yuri. I am a space enthusiastic intern at a space tech uni, could you help guide me build a satellite?

[@derneuro9355]

What is range of construction cost of average satellite? Like the ones used for earth imaginary (google maps, airbus data) and telecom. how many of satellites are used for such things? what is average assembly and design time for one?

[@andrewgeldenhuys1778]

I recently applied for training at a company that specializes in satellite attitude control systems. This video was highly informative, and I can't wait to further my knowledge in this field. I also wanted to thank you for how incredibly helpful your channel has been throughout my student life. Studying engineering has been made much easier with resources like yours. Thank you!🇿🇦

[@ninjacooks]

What company have you applied to? Is it in south africa?🇿🇦

[@owengrossman1414]

This video is very impressive! I worked in the aerospace industry for 37 years including a number of years helping to develop an attitude measurement system for satellites. This video accurately describes all the high points of the engineering challenges that we faced in our development program. VERY nicely done!

[@kylekris105]

This might be the most concise explanation of satellite design I've ever seen. I would like to add this to my "new hire guide" for employees who come help me build satellites.

[@wyattb3138]

I watched it. Can I work for you now? 😂

[@visualchallenge2413]

"Perfect quality" that what i was saying so many times when watching this vidéo. A content of an entier Book in 30 minutes and not illustrations but animations !!!!!! Thanks for this wonderful job.

[@cristycristin3l]

Do you have any idea what program has been used in this video to create these animations?

[@grow_with_rishi]

The efficient engineer videos are far better than college classes.

[@BadPractices]

These videos are a COMPLIMENT to college classes, not better. This is a very harmful and damaging sentiment.

[@ajs1998]

They're not even comparable. You go to college for a degree. You watch a video for a quick overview.

[@戴紀煬]

You still need college classes to actually understand the science and math mentioned in this video, not to mention building a satellite requires dozens of people completing years of college education.

[@user-221i]

Do know the formulas for these systems?

[@saltwaterow]

Not even close mate, this is like 9th grade science at most

[@Zardwark]

I work in satops and this would be a great intro for people who haven't done an aerospace degree(or two). It covers the basics but in a very subtle way poses questions. A good resource!

[@meowoewoew]

it's cool how your videos actually help students to understand some subjects but are also easy to understand for curious people who are not specialised ! well done !

[@mnpry87]

I worked in satellite solar array and mechanisims engineering as a design engineer for four years and this video is awsome. I wish i had it when i first started!

[@WouterWeggelaar]

As CubeSat designer, this is a breeze to watch. Kudos for the details and getting all the animation details right including terminology, units and order of magnitude for numbers. Watched it on Nebula but they don't do comments so here it goes!

[@adakcelina]

Wait! ISIS has a space branch! Knew the guys were onto something with all that Jihad 😂

[@sethwhite4155]

Nice video! I used to work in rad-hard electronics and its crazy how important it is to rad-hard your components, sub-system, and once you have that put together test the whole computer system. Looking at you starlink 👀. In my basic understanding, satellite design is not to design to prevent complete failure from radiation, its to design around it. The electronics degrade over time and normally designers will put multiple circuits in and will rotate them out after a defined amount of time. Semiconductors degrade much faster when they are energised vs when turned off in rad environments.

[@stuartgray5877]

Did you know that all of SpaceX's original electronics came from Digikey? That is UNTIL they started flying payloads for NASA. Then they were required to use rad-hard parts. I wonder WHY the astronauts onboard the ISS can still use iPods and Apple Laptops?

[@stuartgray5877]

And how many of SpaceX's initial flights failed due to radiation effects? ZERO.

[@Snookers_]

@@stuartgray5877 Digikey sells rad-hard components too. Also, the ISS exterior already has significant radiation shielding. If it can protect humans, it can probably protect your electronics too. I'm guessing any critical devices will be hardened, but someone's iPod failing is far from mission-critical. It's also a whole lot cheaper to replace a non-critical (or backed-up) iPod or laptop than it is to have a team of engineers design a rad-hard version.

[@stuartgray5877]

@@Snookers_ I know all that. SpaceX was using non-rad hard parts at first. They even asked me what I thought of that when they interviewed me for a job on Dragon Avionics. I said the the same thing I said above: NASA won't let you you Keep doing that for manned missions. I was correct. They offered me the job but I turned it down. I'm too expensive for them I'll be kicking myself once they go public as the signing bonus was a LOT of shares. I was told by a colleague that went there they work a LOT of OT without pay. I'm too old for that.

[@Snookers_]

@@stuartgray5877 Ahh, I definitely misinterpreted your original comment. I've heard a lot of people talk about their experiences working at SpaceX and it all seems to be pretty similar - lots of unpaid overtime, and lots of half-regrets from people leaving when they did. I've also heard a few other very interesting stories regarding SpaceX that I probably wouldn't have believed if I didn't have absolute trust in the person they came from...

[@galqui71]

As a satellite service provider engineer, I absolutely loved this video, will be sharing it a lot

[@jamesainsworth5805]

As a Satellite component Engineer, this was a fantastic experience, thank you for creating this video.

[@aliali-cv4xg]

best channel ever... easy to understand and full of important information.. please don't stop posting these beautiful videos

[@krioshhh7384]

The amount of things that exist and I don't know the way they work is incredible. Thank you!♥

[@svg98]

I'm currently developing a CubeSat and I must say this is really accurate and to-the-point. Will definitely be sharing this with my peers!

[@regolith1350]

This was incredibly informative and accessible to a wide audience, with no unnecessary filler. Well done!

[@ncsmart_kalpatharu]

ಪ್ರತಿ ವೀಡಿಯೊದಲ್ಲಿ, ವಿವರಣೆಗಳು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿವೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ತರುವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ನಾನು ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. In every video, the illustrations and explanations are good. I appreciate and thank you for your efforts in bringing this.

[@Tensho_C]

your recent releases have been a life saver as theyve been coming out as our uni is teaching them. Thanks a bunch

[@mechsparks]

I was looking for a video on a satellite thermal management system and ended up watching this video. This is one of the best to understand thermal management systems and overall other systems in a satellite control. Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@pauljnellissery7096]

@@mechsparks hey! i was looking for the same

[@Imagine_Beyond]

This video reminded me of my first internship where I got to built a cubesat and really provides a basic overview about the main things about satellites. However, I would like to add one thing at 12:12 . When reaction wheels reach their saturation, it does not mean they cannot be used anymore. If they are played in a coil, their rotational energy can be converted into electrical energy which will slow the reaction wheels down, while also providing power to the satellite.

[@mortallychallenged]

this is a fascinating idea, could i find more references for this?

[@shehulsuratwala2684]

I work in the aerospace industry, and these models and animations are quite close to real components. Great job. Should've included phase array antenna for transmission system. They are amazing ..

[@MB_Tran]

From a very newbie in satellite mecha design, this video is just...Awesome!!! I have no word to explain but thank you so much for working hard and sharing.

[@buildacubesat]

Shameless plug here: I have started building a CubeSat and I'm documenting it on my channel. May be interesting to you :) cheers

[@ronjon7942]

Ok, wow. For decades, I’ve been unclear about antennae gain, incorrectly equivocating it to amplifier gain, therefore not getting it. But a simple animation about an isotropic antenna next to a specialized one - eureka - I can finally conceptualize the principle and move on. Thanks.

[@kdog290]

This was spot on and very thorough. Great video! I will be pointing this video to all the new engineers.

[@mohammeddaghriri9326]

I am taking a course in satellite communication, and your explanation is way better than my professor 😮. Keep up the good work 👍🏻.

[@Unbaguettable]

i want to get into satellites when im older, this is insanely useful! great video

[@Idea63841]

Thanks, this video was very helpful for building my own Fractional Orbital Bombardment System.

[@GTAsanAndreaser]

lol what the hell bro, you are humiliating the whole education industry with these videos of yours.What in the holy clarity is this??!Never have I ever seen anything explained so beautifully and concisely. Can you please do more videos on RF and Antenna propagation. Thanks and I hope you thrive and grow even more.

[@JayLikesLasers]

This is a great introduction to spacecraft systems engineering. Can't fault it.

[@saltycow.]

as a kid currently in highschool, I now look forward to building a satellite.

[@JoshGDS]

Aight, thx for the info, ill start building an orbital telescope

[@HiAdrian]

I'm free on the weekend, ima land you a hand.

[@ZWD2011]

No use if you don't know how to build a rocket.

[@JoshGDS]

@@ZWD2011 ill figure it out, somehow

[@nhanel]

​@@ZWD2011 i can provide my rocket design, need some funding and helping hands tho

[@vikasb8682]

Precision and quality of video is outstanding its similar to actual thing

[@databaseerror-223]

This is honestly one of the best videos ive ever seen

[@margangtache8215]

Real love for this channel..

[@drj9506]

This is the biggest video yet, super impressed by everything here.

[@bmozumder]

Such a great video. I've worked on a couple of satellite payloads and always wondered about the bus requirements.

[@sumodsivadas6959]

Very educational, thanks for this detailed video.

[@ryanalexander4]

My four year old son watched every second. Amazing video!!!

[@ahmedh5361]

Man, this video's quality is incredible. I really appreciate the piece of art. 💯

[@markedis5902]

I worked on satellites in the 80s. Nothing seems to have changed other than the transmission frequencies have got higher to accommodate an increased data rate

[@troidberg]

More LEO than GEO satellites nowadays

[@MattiaCavalloBr]

I work on mini satellites in an Italian company. This video is perfect in describing how a satellite work

[@ganesansubramanian7941]

Excellent lecture with precise descriptions and awesome visuals that I have so far come across ... after many years being in Indian Satellite Industry. Congratulations. 🌈 Really Efficient Engineer the presenter.

[@afnaspk5380]

Your thumbnail looks so amazing..I would like to know how designed the thumbnail

[@kushagra64]

“Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today”

[@aspirant881]

Ahh ❤ nostalgia 😅

[@officialrosey240]

Time to become the cia 😂

[@DeezKnights-t1s]

As a satellite I can confirm that this is the best explanation

[@sreecharanchintapalli7878]

Thank you so much sir for this video.. I aspire to be an aeronautical engineer. This has helped expand my understanding of satellites. This has added you a subscriber as well.

[@tomsko863]

Amazing video. Beautiful visuals that add to the audio. I got Nebula partially because of you, even though I end up watching most things on here anyway. Good luck with your next video.

[@andyherle]

these videos are fantastic. Keep them up!!! they deserve so many more views

[@varunahlawat9013]

now this is how one is supposed to nail a video

[@brandonscott3012]

Your videos make me so happy. Thanks for making them!! 😁

[@cinyqh7567]

I work in this industry. This is a very good video.

[@blablabla983]

Im in my 30s and got sick of beeing a car technichian and mechanic. a very very high end sought after job opened up not far from me. its a tech/mechanic for satelites.. 2 intervjues later and im crossing my fingers i get the job.. really. that would be to build wire harness, printcards and ecu`s, welding and so on for satelites.... im sooooo hoping i get the job!!! i want the job!! loved this video. makes me more prepared for whats to come if i get lucky enough to get the job.

[@soniadubey4773]

very well explained for beginners

[@VTRXRY]

This is an very beautifully done video I'm an big fan of engineering in space and all the cool stuff we build. Watching this video is making me second guess my decision of leaving engineering 😅

[@RahulNatha]

I felt happy just by looking at the video length, even before watching the video

[@ireoluwaTH]

Excellent delivery! Thank you...

[@saatvik7035]

Hi next video can you make about stability and control of Aircrafts! its also a vast and interesting topic, You will love making it

[@Ruhgtfo]

Best satellite 🛰️ explaining video. 👍

[@muhammedendesutku2714]

amazing explaination wow good animation %100 quality

[@davidc3793]

A video on welded joints would be cool

[@samuelmontaguta7439]

Please do a video on plate theory, electric propulsion, chemical propulsion, or deployable structures.

[@Tuffaha]

Thank you for the amazing explanation!

[@pibelocal]

What a great source of knowledge. Thanks!

[@EhmedCousCous]

The sound at 15:10 was so nice

[@votive7478]

Babe wake up... new efficient engineer video just dropped

[@KellTainer22]

À different video from the usual ones but really interesting. Enjoy a well deserved break Efficient Engineer but come back to us soon ❤

[@afshinalihosseini5242]

Was very practical , understandable and complete information . Thanks a lot 🙏

[@mujiclub8426]

THE BEST EXPLANATION TBH.

[@vijayv7114]

Can you make a detailed vedio about machining axis (1;2;3;4;5;6;7), smart precision machines etc.. Thanks

[@sanjanajadhav6862]

Please cover the whole syllabus of JEE Main and Advanced, for All Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry Please for better understanding

[@thesoupin8or673]

Incredible work as always!

[@murariyt9757]

100% pure knowledge ❤ you deserve 🏅

[@tanthiennguyen9308]

Interessant Satellites within Power Control

[@siyanbiswas]

Your videos are amazing 😍 love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@videosmichael8890]

man is singlehandedly saving my education

[@paullambert9720]

An astonishingly good video, thankyou !

[@juanjoproxo4801]

This video is a masterpice 👏👏👏

[@mashrafisarker2867]

The King has returned thank u for this vdeo

[@alfredshort3]

I laughed at this video heading. If you could put a " thought" in low orbit, it's considered a satellite.

[@CAME18471]

Amazing content, please keep doing this! 💪

[@larryslobster7881]

Best video ive seen in a while

[@chiragmovaliya]

Please make detailed video on mechanical fits and it's application

[@ahmedsaoudi2344]

Excellent video! Thank you for your time and effort. Bravo!

[@sumitbhavsar8876]

Can you please make the video on welding......your contents are really amazing 😍

[@Gumball_W]

To be honest, I think that most viewers prefer more down-to-earth (literally in this case) videos ;-)

[@10vogels]

This is what I always wanted to know! Thanks

[@infotration2225]

Never seen this kinda of video before. ❤❤❤ You from Pakistan

[@viniciusnoyoutube]

Very well done video, great work 👍

[@ulricklopez]

POV had a class for this, why couldn’t this video come out last semester 😭😭

[@tiangong6616]

an you also make a video about how to build a rocket? I'd love to see that! :)🚀

[@eriks6693]

Love these videos

[@bored833]

this video has below 50k views while garbage from prank KZbinrs thrive... awesome job man! +1 patreon

[@samithetechsavvy6485]

Thank you very much my friend

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

Can you do a video on drilling/taking out holes in different materials and how it affects structures, ie beams both from the side and over/under.

[@chadzulu4328]

This is super interesting!

[@Osamakhan0001]

It's a request to you please make video on hydrodynamic Boundary layer & thermal Boundary layer with full details ( external flow , Internal Flow)

[@parasverma8743]

Kindly , make video on fundamental concepts of thermodynamics

[@newtonhier]

Thanks for sharing this 🙏