Senior Design Week 8: Group Work

This week, Both I (Mark) and Pedro teamed up for July 4th to build a custom solar panel mounting stand using leftover 2x4s from home. The goal was to create a simple, sturdy frame that would match the exact height and 45-degree tilt angle we plan to use for Astraeus' cleaning tests. We started by measuring and cutting the 2x4s to the correct lengths, ensuring the mount would position the panel at the right elevation for both brush reach and effective sunlight simulation. Using a a table saw, we cut the angle braces at a precise 45 degrees, allowing the panel to rest at the same tilt it would have in a real Martian environment. Once everything was cut, we assembled the frame using deck screws and corner bracing for added strength.

Figure 1: Solar Panel Mount for Testing

The finished mount turned out very solid and stable which is perfect for upcoming test runs. It holds the panel at the intended orientation and provides a reliable surface for the Astraeus arm and brush system to clean against during field simulations. Working together on this build was efficient and rewarding as we have not had a lot of work side by side this semester due to both of us having very complex schedules. We were able to repurpose a lot of materials creatively and quickly while keeping everything aligned with the technical requirements of our testing setup.