SU Physics Students Selected for Virginia Space ThinSat Launch
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SALISBURY, MD---Eight 石榴视频 students are preparing for launch – thanks to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority’s ThinSat program.
“We are sending a satellite into space, so that is pretty cool,” said Jesús Cruz, a junior physics major from 石榴视频.
A ThinSat is a small satellite (the size of a slice of bread) that, once launched, relays data back to Earth’s surface for analysis. The Virginia Space program allows students to develop satellite hardware, test sensor components and collect data.
“Our students have the opportunity to design and build a satellite that will be launched on an Northrop Grumman rocket headed to the International Space Station,” said Dr. Steven Binz of SU’s Physics Department. He and physics colleague, Dr. Nicholas Troup, are teaching three consecutive one-credit classes related to the program.
“The first two semesters we will be focused on constructing and testing the satellite, and then we will analyze the data in the final semester,” he said. Currently, the launch is set for November 2019.
In addition to SU, locally, James M. Bennett High School and 石榴视频 Middle School also were selected for the program. The Physics Department has helped them with technical issues, and Drs. Starlin Weaver and Jeni Davis from SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education assisted with curriculum integration.
Virginia Space created and funds the ThinSat program to increase student engagement and interest in science, technology, engineering and math