{"id":26217,"date":"2026-08-04T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oewf.org\/?p=26217"},"modified":"2026-08-03T22:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T20:03:20","slug":"from-cad-models-to-physical-prototype-hardware-implementation-and-aiv-of-the-caillou-instrument","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oewf.org\/en\/2026\/08\/from-cad-models-to-physical-prototype-hardware-implementation-and-aiv-of-the-caillou-instrument\/","title":{"rendered":"From CAD Models to Physical Prototype: Hardware Implementation and AIV of the Caillou Instrument"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article describes the ongoing work of our interns on the Caillou project \u2013 a synthetic Raman spectrometer for AMADEE-27.\u00a0 To learn more about idea and design process read this article: https:\/\/oewf.org\/en\/2026\/06\/synthetic-raman-spectrometer-for-amadee-27\/<\/a>. The second article describes the process how to develop a prototype: https:\/\/oewf.org\/en\/2026\/07\/from-concept-to-prototype-bringing-the-caillou-instrument-to-life\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this third article our intern Maxime Poulain describes how to build the actual prototype with hardware.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of building a space instrument, it helps to know what we set out to create. The CaillouInstrument is a compact, lightweight scientific instrument designed for planetary exploration\u2014specifically tailored to operate in harsh, Mars-like environments. Built to support analog space missions like AMADEE–<\/strong>27, Caillou integrates an optical imaging subsystem, precise laser guidance, and onboard processing into a custom modular enclosure, all while sticking to a strict mass budget of around 500 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article details the Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) phase of the project. It tracks our journey as we moved from initial 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models to a fully functional, field-ready physical prototype capable of withstanding dust, shock, and severe environmental constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Integration Challenge: Moving from Virtual to Concrete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Transitioning from computer-aided design (CAD) to actual 3D-printed parts was a significant milestone for our team. The primary goal of this phase was to integrate all our commercially available components into our custom-designed enclosure while respecting our tight mass budget of approximately 500g (excluding the dedicated battery).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3D<\/a>
3D printed enclosure for the hardware.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on integration centered around several key elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n