Morehead State University
Kentucky Space: Establishing a Spaceflight Heritage for the Commonwealth
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Benjamin Malphrus; James Lumpp
Abstract
Kentucky Space is a multi-university collaboration whose ultimate goal to establish a presence in space for the commonwealth of Kentucky. In a combined effort led by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation six universities: the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University and the Kentucky Technical and Community College System as well as corporate partners Belcan, and NanoRacks LLC., have established a space program (Kentucky Space), whose goal is to promote workforce development and the establishment of a space economy in the commonwealth. Kentucky Space undertakes mission-based student team experiences requiring integration of interdisciplinary expertise, learning to work in teams to achieve shared goals, incorporating NASA resources, facilities and expertise to reach the goals. The programs operate in four spatial regimes: edge of space (high altitude balloons), suborbital space (on sounding rockets), low earth orbit (LEO), and deep space. Since inception in 2006, Kentucky Space has moved from an initial concept to its first sub-orbital space mission, Space Express launched in 2007, and has two suborbital missions planned in 2010. Also in 2010 Kentucky Space will launch its first orbital satellite, KySat-1, developed by students and faculty in Kentucky. Facilities have been created at the partner institutions that are dedicated to space systems development, testing, and operation. Included are a 21M Earth station, a mission control center, vibration, thermal and vacuum testing facilities, a clean room, and an anechoic chamber. Here we provide an overview the major Kentucky Space initiatives.
Kentucky Space: Establishing a Spaceflight Heritage for the Commonwealth
Kentucky Space is a multi-university collaboration whose ultimate goal to establish a presence in space for the commonwealth of Kentucky. In a combined effort led by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation six universities: the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University and the Kentucky Technical and Community College System as well as corporate partners Belcan, and NanoRacks LLC., have established a space program (Kentucky Space), whose goal is to promote workforce development and the establishment of a space economy in the commonwealth. Kentucky Space undertakes mission-based student team experiences requiring integration of interdisciplinary expertise, learning to work in teams to achieve shared goals, incorporating NASA resources, facilities and expertise to reach the goals. The programs operate in four spatial regimes: edge of space (high altitude balloons), suborbital space (on sounding rockets), low earth orbit (LEO), and deep space. Since inception in 2006, Kentucky Space has moved from an initial concept to its first sub-orbital space mission, Space Express launched in 2007, and has two suborbital missions planned in 2010. Also in 2010 Kentucky Space will launch its first orbital satellite, KySat-1, developed by students and faculty in Kentucky. Facilities have been created at the partner institutions that are dedicated to space systems development, testing, and operation. Included are a 21M Earth station, a mission control center, vibration, thermal and vacuum testing facilities, a clean room, and an anechoic chamber. Here we provide an overview the major Kentucky Space initiatives.