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Photos Provided
Amber-Rose White, left photo, and Keith Bux, right, both engineering and physics students at Murray State University, took part in the rocket launch and testing of satellite equipment at White Sand, N.M., earlier this month as part of Kentucky’s first mission into space under the KySAT program. The two students helped to design both the test rocket and vital electronics that will be used next year when an effort will be made to place a satellite in Earth orbit. |
MSU students take part in satellite launch program
By TOM BERRY
Staff Writer
With dreams of becoming rocket scientists or something near that goal, Murray State University students Keith Bux and Amber-Rose White became members of a team that tested specially-designed electronics as part of a state program to put a satellite in Earth orbit.
Sponsored by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and KySAT (Kentucky Satellite), the effort was part of the state's first mission to space with the code name, “Space Express.” Designed to be a sub-orbital launch, the purpose of the mission was to test subsystems and processes under development for future KySAT orbital missions with launch targets beginning in 2008.
KySAT is a joint-enterprise involving public organizations, colleges, universities and private companies in a student-led initiative involving the design, building, launching and ground operation of small satellites and other spacecraft to promote science, technology, engineering, innovation and education.
The launch took place Dec. 5 at a White Sands, N.M., facility carrying a student-designed and built payload. A successful liftoff was achieved, but while the rocket initially operated successfully in an attempt to reach a target altitude of about 203 miles, the vehicle sustained a catastrophic failure after the payload did not reach the targeted altitude, according to a news release from program officials.
White, an engineering and physics major with an emphasis on electrical engineering, was a member of the payload team. Her responsibilities included development of various sensors, radio, batteries and other components.
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Dec 18, 2007 - 13:55:39 EST.
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