The Undergraduate Satellite and Rocket Design, Fabrication and Launch Program at the US Air Force Academy
Abstract
The Space Systems Research Center at the United States Air Force Academy is building a cadre of space professionals "one cadet at a time." Its motto and aim is for cadets to "Learn Space by Doing Space." Cadets majoring in astronautical engineering and space operations study either the design, fabrication, testing, and launching of a sounding rocket (the FalconLAUNCH program), or the design, fabrication, testing, launching and operation of a satellite in space (the FalconSAT program). This year's FalconLAUNCH is scheduled to go to 20,000 meters. The goal of next year's launch, from San Nicolas Island, California, is to carry a 5-kg payload to 100,000 meters. The FalconSAT program has already built a 19.5-kg satellite FalconSAT-2, ready for launch on the next Space Shuttle. The cadets are currently working on FalconSAT-3, a 50-kg satellite due for launch in 2006 on an Atlas V. Both missions have payloads approved by the Department of Defense Space Experiments Review Board to conduct space-weather experiments and Air Force Research Laboratory avionics and propulsion experiments. This paper details the development, challenges and advantages of conducting an undergraduate space program performing world class research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA431054
Entities
People
- D. A. Miller
- D. J. Richie
- J. J. Sellers
- Kenneth E. Siegenthaler
- T. J. Lawrence
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy