MicroSat Systems Supports Student-led Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite. (MIT photo)
LITTLETON, CO, June 28, 2007 - Satnews Daily - MicroSat Systems, Inc. (MSI) 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 five-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.
MSI offers 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.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program is a ground-breaking undertaking to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals. Data from this mission will make a significant contribution to the understanding of fundamental space biology and greatly advance human space exploration. It is the first mission to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals, a key step in the human exploration of space.
The program, initiated in August 2001, is a student-driven, international space collaboration, uniting students from MIT and Georgia Tech in a quest to determine how humans will respond to the reduced gravity environment of Mars.
It is operated by a unique multi-university student team. With current participants located at MIT, Georgia Tech and around the world, the program offers hands-on experience in spacecraft design, development and management. To date, nearly 500 students have placed their mark on the satellite, from high school interns to graduate researchers. Advisors from academia, government, and industry provide guidance and additional perspective.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite drew its inspiration from the Mars Society's Translife Initiative. In August of 2001, the Mars Society proposed a private undertaking to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals in order to prepare for humans living on and exploring Mars. Following initial science planning and mission feasibility studies, MIT, the University of Queensland and the University of Washington agreed to proceed forward with the mission by developing and building a free-flying spacecraft to carry out the mission. The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program was created under the direction of a Program Board drawing from officials at each institution, with management provided by the Mars Gravity Program Office, based at MIT. Today MIT and Georgia Tech work together closely toward completing the biosatellite.
