Handy Excel Functions for Small Satellite Engineers

Here’s a list of Excel functions that may be useful for engineers designing a small satellite:

  1. IF function: The IF function allows satellite engineers to perform conditional tests, where a value or action is only taken if a certain condition is met. For example, the IF function can be used to automatically calculate the power required for a satellite based on its altitude, or to determine if a component will meet the necessary thermal requirements. 
  2. VLOOKUP function: The VLOOKUP function allows satellite engineers to search for and retrieve specific data within a large data set. This is particularly useful for satellite engineers who need to manage large amounts of data related to the materials and components that make up a satellite. 
  3. SUM function: The SUM function allows satellite engineers to quickly and easily calculate the sum of a range of values. For example, the SUM function can be used to calculate the total power consumption of a satellite, or the total mass of its components. 
  4. AVERAGE function: The AVERAGE function allows satellite engineers to calculate the average value of a range of numbers. For example, the AVERAGE function can be used to determine the average temperature of a satellite over time. 
  5. MAX and MIN functions: The MAX and MIN functions allow satellite engineers to quickly find the largest and smallest values in a range of numbers. For example, the MAX and MIN functions can be used to determine the highest and lowest temperatures that a satellite will experience in orbit. 
  6. INDEX and MATCH functions: The INDEX and MATCH functions allow satellite engineers to search for and retrieve specific data within a large data set. This can be useful for satellite engineers who need to manage large amounts of data related to the materials and components that make up a satellite. 
  7. STDEV and VAR functions in Excel are used to calculate the standard deviation and variance of a data set, respectively. In satellite engineering, these functions can be used to measure the variability of various data points and to better understand the distribution of the data. For example, engineers might use these functions to analyze the variability of solar panel power output, the standard deviation of angular velocity measurements, or the variance of thermal data collected from a thermal imaging system. 
  8. The LINEST function in Excel can be used to perform linear regression and estimate parameters for a best-fit line. In satellite engineering, this function can be used to determine the relationship between two variables, such as the altitude of a satellite and its velocity, or the power output of a solar panel and the angle of the sun. This information can be used to make predictions, plan missions, and optimize satellite design.

But… 

Why spend all this time learning various functions for a tool that just isn’t adequate for doing complex engineering?
Why not use a tool that’s made by engineers, for engineers?

Useful Excel Functions for Aerospace Design Engineering

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