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MicroSat Joins Forces With Student Satellite Team
Date: 06/27/2007Description:
Littleton, Colo., (June 27, 2007) – MicroSat Systems, Inc. (MSI) located in Littleton, Colorado is joining forces with America’s most ambitious student satellite team to develop and fabricate the spacecraft bus for a ground-breaking new biosatellite. The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Georgia Institute of Technology Space Systems Design Laboratory. The goal of the Mars Gravity program is to investigate how Martian gravity -- about one-third that of Earth -- will affect mammalian health, helping to pave the way for human missions to Mars and beyond.
In collaboration with the student team, MicroSat Systems will be taking a lead role in finalizing the design of the spacecraft bus and in fabricating hardware for the flight. “The opportunity for students to work side-by-side with such a terrific industry collaborator is just amazing,” said graduate student Science Director Erika Wagner. “MicroSat's dedication to affordable small satellites and their commitment to education are the perfect fit for Mars Gravity.”
Working together, MicroSat Systems and Mars Gravity aim to launch the small research satellite into low Earth orbit in 2010, with a crew of 15 mice on board, for a 5-week mission. Once in orbit the satellite will spin, simulating Martian gravity. Data gathered on board and after satellite reentry will provide the first information on how mammals are affected by a reduced gravity environment.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite program, founded in 2001, is America’s largest student-led spacecraft design program – to date the project has actively engaged over 570 students from around the world, from engineers to English majors. Recently the enterprising students made news with the launch of YourNameIntoSpace.org, a website where corporations and individuals can post images and messages on the satellite for as little as $35.
MicroSat Systems, Inc. offers high performance microsatellites and spacecraft subsystems including; space power systems, advanced miniaturized avionics and lightweight composite structures, to government and commercial customers. MSI is currently building the Demonstration and Science Experiment (DSX) spacecraft for the Air Force and is also developing advanced spacecraft subsystems in thin-film solar arrays, plug and play avionics and lightweight structures.
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