UASPACE strives to design, test and deploy space technologies through a culture of collaborative development, fostering engineering excellence and business leadership in students at The University of Alabama and the surrounding community through STEM-related outreach.
BAMA-1
A 3U CubeSat, BAMA-1 was a technology demonstration mission that aimed conduct a flight demonstration of a drag sail module by rapidly deorbiting the satellite. Spacecraft equipped with drag sail technology will be able to reliably and rapidly deorbit, thus reducing space debris and the risk to operational satellites, space stations, and crewed vehicles. BAMA-1 was selected for the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative in 2020 and was aboard the Astra LV-0008 vehicle for the failed attempt on February 10, 2022.
BAMA-2
BAMA-2 is a re-build and re-flight effort of BAMA-1. Due to the unfortunate mission failure during launch, NASA has given us a second opportunity to build and launch our CubeSat through the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative.
Subteams
Our subteams are always looking for more members. If you are interested in joining our team, please look over the descriptions of each subteam and contact us at uaspace@ua.edu or through our Contact Us page with your preferred subteam.
Attitude Determination and Control
Manages CubeSat control and orientation after deploying from the launch vehicle, using magnetorquers for control authority.
Astrodynamics
Models the orbit and movement of the CubeSat from deployment through end of life. Uses SOLIDWORKS, Systems Tool Kit and FreeFlyer.
Business and Public Relations
Oversees educational outreach, marketing and funding for projects. Hosts internal team events and recruitment activities.
Command and Data Handling
Supervises communication with the CubeSat via computers and ground stations. Works with the radio and antenna systems onboard the satellite.
Electrical Power Systems
Deals with battery charge and discharge, as well as solar energy collection. Electrical Engineers preferred but not required.
Flight Software
Programming the OnBoard Computer – the brain of the CubeSat. Oversees the software that will fly on the CubeSat.
Payload
Designs, prototypes, and constructs the drag sail payload and deployment mechanisms. Uses 3D printing, SolidWorks, and basic electronics skills.
Structures
Determines the most reliable and cost-effective structural solution. Assesses loads and vibrations on the CubeSat. Uses SOLIDWORKS and other FEA tools.
Telemetry, Tracking and Command
Charged with building and operating a ground station capable of interfacing with an open source network, for communication with our satellite.
Future Projects
Researches potential technologies for the next UASPACE project. Reviews past team ideas and other CubeSat teams’ projects to inspire our next project.