Are you actually going to space?
Our satellite is! We're currently building our second CubeSat, BAMA-2.
What is a CubeSat?
A CubeSat is a very small satellite. A single-unit CubeSat is only 10x10x10 centimeters. However, many of these “units” can be put together to make one larger CubeSat. Common United States standard configurations range from one unit (or “1U”) to a 54U. Find out more about CubeSats at https://www.cubesat.org/.
What are some of the benefits of CubeSats?
Since they are cheaper to launch, CubeSats make it easier to test experimental technologies and conduct scientific experiments as compared to full-sized satellites.
How do CubeSats get to space?
CubeSats are typically launched, as secondary payloads, alongside larger satellites. Several companies are currently developing small launch capability with the express goal of launching CubeSats as primary payloads sometime in the future.
What is a drag sail?
In Low Earth Orbit, there are still trace amount of atmospheric gasses. Enough, in fact, that you can deploy a "parachute," and it will still slow your satellite down by increasing its drag. Such a device is called a drag sail. By using a drag sail, we can cause BAMA-2 to deorbit in less than six months, instead of several years.
Why is it important to measure thermospheric density?
The thermosphere is a region of the Earth's atmosphere spanning altitudes from approximately 80 km (50 miles) to approximately 450 km (280 miles). Spacecraft orbiting the Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) do so at altitudes of less than 2,000 km (1,243 miles). As such, the orbit of some of these spacecraft places them in the thermosphere. For example, the International Space Station (ISS) orbits within the thermosphere. Thermospheric density (mass per unit volume) is directly proportional to the drag force exerted on a spacecraft orbiting in the thermosphere. This drag force will slow down the spacecraft, ultimately causing it to de-orbit. Accurately knowing the density is critical to predicting orbital lifetime and, given the ever-increasing problem of orbital debris, it is more important than ever to know how long a spacecraft will remain in orbit.
How do I get involved with the BAMA project and/or UASpace?
Email us at [email protected] or fill out the form on our Contact page.
When does the group meet?
The UASPACE BAMA-2 subsystem teams meet at various times throughout the week. Member meetings are Tuesday nights at 5p.m. in the South Engineering Research Center. All are welcome. Please reach out for more information so we can accommodate your schedule.
Can I join as a freshman?
Yes, all undergraduate and graduate students are welcome! All that we ask is that you have an interest in space exploration/development and are willing to commit to the project.
Do I have to be an engineering major?
All majors are welcome! This is a multidisciplinary project. We need students with skills in engineering, science, business, graphic arts, public relations, communications, web design, technical writing, and a myriad of other skill sets. We're particularly in need of electrical engineering and computer science majors. If you are interested in building a system that will actually orbit the Earth, then please feel free to join us.
Can I be involved with the project even if I don't go to The University of Alabama?
Yes, in that you will be able to track the BAMA-2 once it is in orbit. Information on tracking and telemetry will be forthcoming.
What subteam should I join?
Take a look at the subsystem list on our home page. There you will find information about what each team does and what kind of skills are preferred for each team.
Our satellite is! We're currently building our second CubeSat, BAMA-2.
What is a CubeSat?
A CubeSat is a very small satellite. A single-unit CubeSat is only 10x10x10 centimeters. However, many of these “units” can be put together to make one larger CubeSat. Common United States standard configurations range from one unit (or “1U”) to a 54U. Find out more about CubeSats at https://www.cubesat.org/.
What are some of the benefits of CubeSats?
Since they are cheaper to launch, CubeSats make it easier to test experimental technologies and conduct scientific experiments as compared to full-sized satellites.
How do CubeSats get to space?
CubeSats are typically launched, as secondary payloads, alongside larger satellites. Several companies are currently developing small launch capability with the express goal of launching CubeSats as primary payloads sometime in the future.
What is a drag sail?
In Low Earth Orbit, there are still trace amount of atmospheric gasses. Enough, in fact, that you can deploy a "parachute," and it will still slow your satellite down by increasing its drag. Such a device is called a drag sail. By using a drag sail, we can cause BAMA-2 to deorbit in less than six months, instead of several years.
Why is it important to measure thermospheric density?
The thermosphere is a region of the Earth's atmosphere spanning altitudes from approximately 80 km (50 miles) to approximately 450 km (280 miles). Spacecraft orbiting the Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) do so at altitudes of less than 2,000 km (1,243 miles). As such, the orbit of some of these spacecraft places them in the thermosphere. For example, the International Space Station (ISS) orbits within the thermosphere. Thermospheric density (mass per unit volume) is directly proportional to the drag force exerted on a spacecraft orbiting in the thermosphere. This drag force will slow down the spacecraft, ultimately causing it to de-orbit. Accurately knowing the density is critical to predicting orbital lifetime and, given the ever-increasing problem of orbital debris, it is more important than ever to know how long a spacecraft will remain in orbit.
How do I get involved with the BAMA project and/or UASpace?
Email us at [email protected] or fill out the form on our Contact page.
When does the group meet?
The UASPACE BAMA-2 subsystem teams meet at various times throughout the week. Member meetings are Tuesday nights at 5p.m. in the South Engineering Research Center. All are welcome. Please reach out for more information so we can accommodate your schedule.
Can I join as a freshman?
Yes, all undergraduate and graduate students are welcome! All that we ask is that you have an interest in space exploration/development and are willing to commit to the project.
Do I have to be an engineering major?
All majors are welcome! This is a multidisciplinary project. We need students with skills in engineering, science, business, graphic arts, public relations, communications, web design, technical writing, and a myriad of other skill sets. We're particularly in need of electrical engineering and computer science majors. If you are interested in building a system that will actually orbit the Earth, then please feel free to join us.
Can I be involved with the project even if I don't go to The University of Alabama?
Yes, in that you will be able to track the BAMA-2 once it is in orbit. Information on tracking and telemetry will be forthcoming.
What subteam should I join?
Take a look at the subsystem list on our home page. There you will find information about what each team does and what kind of skills are preferred for each team.
