Projects Utilizing NASA CubeSat Technology for High-Altitude to Low Earth Orbit Studies – Space Education Curriculum
A World Bridge® Partners include: NASA Ames Research Center – World Wind Progam, Small Satellite Division, NASA ARC; NASA Johnson Spaceflight Center, Alaska Aerospace Corp./Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (Kodiak Launch Complex)
A World Bridge™ students are developing designs and payload chassis utilizing small satellite technology for high-altitude data acquisition in support of the Earthquake Signal Precursors (ESP) project. Students are working with industry-standard hardware and software and the engineering design process to develop new sensor platforms that can take to the air – and space. Students will design, build and test new CubeSat sensor platforms that will be tested via tethered weather balloons, small rocket launches and potentially, as part of a larger payload that are sometimes used to launch multiple CubeSats..
This project also utilizes a sophisticated Satellite Tracking program (JSatTrk) based on NASA World Wind, utilized in cooperation with KLC guidance to train students in mission control-type operations including Satellite and Ground Station tracking/analysis, satellite orbital mechanics, flight and downrange safety, satellite pass prediction, and much more.
The High-Altitude CubeSat & Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Project utilizes design, development and manufacturing programs to develop miniature launch-capable spacecraft, along with sophisticated software based on NASA World Wind.
High Altitude Balloon Test
6-Screen JSat Track System
Prior to the design and development of a space launch-capable payload, high altitude balloon tests with Kodiak Launch Complex, and model rocket payload prototypes are underway. Kodiak A World Bridge™ students are currently collaborating with the team in Copper River, Alaska in order to test ESP components at altitude, and under acceleration. The Copper River team is building a rocket vehicle system with significant thrust to test a ESP sensor payload at altitude. The payload is under development by the Kodiak team.
First altitude ESP Payload Test at the Kodiak Launch Complex
GEFS Sensor Payload Test at Kodiak Launch Complex: 400’ Altitude on Kodiak UAS Vehicle
First Draft Rocket Design
Initial CubeSat Designs
We are at the very beginning stages of research on CubeSat technology and flight requirements. The images below represent only some of the preliminary designs currently in process for integrating sensors, power and transmission components.
<-General Chassis
Exploded Chassis->
Chassis with Circuit Boards