Team TERMINUS from The University of 91大神 in Huntsville (91大神), a part of the University of 91大神 System, successfully launched a student-developed payload aboard a Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket that featured two experiments designed by the . The student packages were launched as part of the , a flight that from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Va., before descending by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean for recovery.
According to Ben Campbell, a 91大神 doctoral student in aerospace systems engineering who founded the TERMINUS Spaceflight Research Group (TSRG), the launch could not have gone any better. 鈥淲e have loads of data and are going through it now,鈥� he says, noting that numerous NASA personnel had remarked that the 91大神 team had produced the best payload in the history of the RockSat program, setting a new example for other student teams to strive for in the future.
The 91大神 payload included a pair of experiments: JUPITER, a custom reusable spacecraft bus-like system that handles all core spacecraft functions and connects experiment hardware with existing launch vehicle electronics, and SwingSat, the smallest satellite tether release ever attempted in space, a project that aims to advance small satellite deployment technologies. The development of the project from start to finish can be seen here in this .
鈥淭he tether system is basically a way to extend some payload out on a tether and rotate it, then let it go. It鈥檚 kind of like David and Goliath 鈥� it鈥檚 got a sling, throws a rock. We鈥檙e basically doing that, but with satellites in space,鈥� Campbell explains. 鈥淭his is a small-scale demonstration of that to see how well it works.鈥� The team experienced a few off-nominal events, but everything moved forward smoothly and successfully. 鈥淲e had a mechanical jam on one of our tether release mechanisms, but after a second actuation it was able to release fine,鈥� Campbell says.
Despite the loss of a few backup cameras, the team captured the data they needed. 鈥淲e got the critical data we were looking for and some extra, so overall the mission was a great success.鈥� depicts the actual deployment of the project in space.
RockSat-X enables students to design, build and fly a sounding rocket experiment alongside NASA personnel. Each experiment is integrated onto an aluminum deck that is fully exposed to space, providing a microgravity environment for experimenters. Each payload is also provided with a power and telemetry interface.
鈥淭he RockSat program provides unique hands-on experiences for students in the development of scientific experiments and working in teams, so these students are ready to enter STEM careers,鈥� says Dr. Joyce Winterton, Wallops senior advisor for education and leadership development.
The TERMINUS Spaceflight Research Group is a subset of the 91大神 Space Hardware Club (SHC), the university鈥檚 largest on-campus student group. The SHC provides students access to hands-on hardware and software engineering projects, along with opportunities to conduct scientific research for any enrolled 91大神 student from their first weeks on campus through graduation and beyond.
