Cyclone Satellite 1

SUMMARY:

Cyclone Satellite-I (CySat-I) is one of the projects associated with Make to Innovate (M:2:I) which is a hands on program in the Aerospace Engineering Department at Iowa State University (ISU).  CySat is attempting to be the first student team from the state of Iowa to design, build, and launch a cube satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

With this goal in mind, CySat submitted a design proposal last year to the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI).  The CySat design proposal was accepted by NASA, and just recently NASA informed us that we are approved for a very near future launch in the third or fourth quarter of 2018.  The launch will take CySat-I onto the International Space Station (ISS) where it will then be deployed into LEO.

Once deployed into orbit, CySat will use a state-of-the-art radiometer payload to read the Earth's surface and measure soil moisture, and will be transmitting and receiving information to/from the satellite's main control center on the Iowa State University campus.

Unfortunately, there are a few expensive components which are required for the completion of CySat-I.  Some of these include the attitude control systems, power generating solar cells, communications equipment, etc.  The Aerospace Engineering Department is assisting with the cost of this equipment as much as possible, but the CySat team still needs your help for additional funds to allow for the first student cube satellite launched, to be from Iowa State University.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

CySat was formed with the goal of having their student team design, build, and launch a cube satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).  Additionally, in launching the CySat, the students will gain real hands-on space related experience, as well as develop teamwork and project management skills that will be of future benefit to their employers.

Make to Innovate has many projects like CySat that engage students in hands-on projects.  The goal is to augment the student’s understanding of engineering principles, and to introduce them to some of the complexities of systems, the concept of design optimization, and multidisciplinary teams.

The team pushes the student to understand the meaning of teamwork and the value of responsibility. It is dedicated to allowing the student to utilize skills and knowledge they obtain from class to a real astronautics project. The drive is to raise interest in the space industry and bolster its exploration. CySat hopes to deliver one of the most unique and exhilarating educational experience a student can gain from their career at Iowa State.