Our Mission

As a team of multidisciplinary students, UASPACE aims to make The University of Alabama a space-faring university by successfully orbiting a student-made CubeSat while promoting higher education and STEM fields through outreach in the Black Belt of Alabama.

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. BAMA-2 will be deployed from the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer system aboard the International Space Station. We aim to handoff a fully built and functional satellite by February 2024.

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 STK and FreeFlyer.
Business
Oversees educational outreach, marketing, and funding for the project. STEM/CREATE MBA students preferred but not required.
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
Electrical subteam for the CubeSat. Deals with battery charge and discharge, as well as solar energy collection. Electrical Engineers preferred but not required.
Flight Software
In charge of programming the OnBoard Computer - the brain of the CubeSat. Programming experience preferred but not required.
Integration and Testing
Focus on hands-on work with the CubeSat. Will assemble the flight build in our cleanroom, and lead the subsequent test sequence.
Payload
Design, prototyping, and construction of the drag sail payload and deployment mechanisms. Uses 3D printing, SolidWorks, and basic electronics skills.
Risk and Reliability
Identifies hazards and implements mitigation plans for the mission. Oversees the testing sequence.
Structures
Assesses loads and vibrations on the CubeSat. Uses SolidWorks and other FEA tools.
Telemetry and Tracking
Charged with building and operating a ground station capable of interfacing with an open source network, for communication with our satellite.
Thermal
Designs for heat management within the CubeSat, keeping the satellite within safe operating temperatures. Uses Thermal Desktop.