San Jose State students launch satellite into orbit.
Students work with NASA to put TechEdSat-8 into orbit, carrying many state-of-the-art technologies that allow scientists on the ground to process satellite data far more efficiently
In the San Jose State University Student Union, scientists, students and reporters gather around two large projector screens to watch a satellite launch into space. Right before 8:45 a.m. Thursday, the room goes completely silent as a voice counts down over the speakers. “Five, four, three, two, one. Deploy command sent.” And after a brief pause, “Deployment.”
The crowd cheers as they watch the long, rectangular object shoot out of the International Space Station. In 90 minutes, that satellite will orbit the entirety of the earth and start sending data back down to Earth.
To a passerby, this satellite launch could seem like a fun event, but one of many launches completed by NASA. However, this isn’t any ordinary satellite. It is the eighth in a series of satellites called the Technology Education Satellites, or TechEdSat’s. With it, TechEdSat-8 carries many state- of-theart technologies that allow scientists on the ground to process satellite data far more efficiently.
“There are a vast number of experiments that are on this little spacecraft,” said Marcus Murbach, an adjunct professor at SJSU and a principle investigator at NASA Ames, “most of which are brand new and happen- ing for the first time ever.”
The first TechEdSat was launched back in 2012 with the goal of developing new technologies for small satellites. These technologies include multiple communication platforms to give scientists 24/7 access to the satellite’s data. By pairing university students from schools like SJSU and NASA Ames, the project also aims to promote students and interns to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
Called CubeSat’s, these satellites are miniature in size and look like long, rectangular boxes. Inside of the boxes are layers of circuit boards that direct electrical charges, allowing the satellite to function. Unlike conventional circuit boards seen in cellphones and digital watches, the circuit boards in TechEdSat are made to endure the harsh conditions of outer space.
“Think of a pancake stack,” said Robert
Bruce, a lecturer in computer science and computer engineering at SJSU and a founding member of the TechEdSat series. He also programmed the satellite with detailed instructions to allow it to perform important tasks. “Each of those pancakes represents a circuit board with certain functionalities.”
Bruce notes that his group was one of many teams that contributed to the production of this satellite.
“It’s kinda like handing off a baton in a relay,” Bruce describes. “We did the programming part, and then we hand it off to a team that does a lot of the testing and certifications.”
An integral member of the team is Ali Guarneros Luna, an aerospace and systems engineer at NASA Ames. Along with mentoring and training the students involved in the program, Luna was one of the last set of eyes to look over the satellite before it was sent off into space.
One of the most exciting pieces of this project, Luna describes, is the fact that TechEdSat-8 is a huge step forward in providing scientists with live videos from space.
“You can use this, for example, to inspect the International Space Station,” said Luna. As the space station orbits the Earth, there are rocks and other objects that can damage the outside of the station. “You can have someone who can actually look at what’s happening, and you don’t have to wait until the feedback comes in.”
And this is just one of the many benefits that will come from the TechEdSat series. These satellites could also help atmospheric and space scientists look at the moon, or help geologists gain a new perspective on Earth’s outer surface.
Reine Ntone, a system engineer at NASA Ames and a recent graduate from SJSU, thinks this work is a wonderful opportunity for students.
“As a student, having the opportunity to apply your work is so important,” said Ntone. “It gives them the opportunity to be involved, and students are the future.”
Ntone played an essential role in the TechEdSat project by helping create the parachute that helps the satellite safely re- enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Called the “exo-brake decelerator,” Ntone compares the material to foil paper that is meticulously folded and taped into a particular shape.
Ntone is originally from Cameroon, and then received her degree in systems engineering in Paris. For her, helping create TedEdSat-8 was a gift.
“We spend a lot of weekends and extra time here, but when you work with your friends, it’s easier for your manager to ask you to stay longer,” Ntone said. “I know it’s going to be a great day when I come into work.”
And there are still plenty of sleepless nights, pizza binges and weekend study-groups to come. The TechEdSat series is far from over, and satellites 9 through 11 are already in the calendar.
Luna imagines a bright future for aerospace engineering. With such dedicated students, even the most difficult of projects seem doable.
“In 10 years, they could be the next Einsteins,” said Luna.