Due to its launch expertise,
Mechanical Engineer
The flagship HSFL project led by
Built without any moving parts that can be damaged during launch, HyTI will deliver spatial resolution or image quality similar to the Landsat 9 satellite, currently the only
'This technology demonstration mission is designed to be a pathfinder for a potential future science mission to show the capabilities and potential of HyTI,' said Wright. 'As a CubeSat, HyTI is designed to work in constellations of 25-30 HyTIs during a larger science mission, which could then monitor volcanic gasses to predict eruptions or map soil moisture to aid crop management.'
HyTI will be delivered to NASA at the end of 2023, and will be launched on a Falcon 9 rocket as part of the
Developing world-class technologies
Hawaii's first rocket launch from Pacific Missile Range Facility on
From predicting volcanic eruptions in orbit, to analyzing soil composition from space, to detecting extraterrestrial life and improving space mission integration, HIGP has become a major player in advancing space exploration.
Renowned for its expertise in Earth and planetary science, HIGP bridges science and engineering, replicating the successful science-technology synergy that national laboratories like
'Designing scientific measuring instruments is not necessarily difficult, but producing instruments that can take accurate measurements from a spacecraft, where size, weight, power and environment are an issue, is,' Wright said. 'Our faculty, researchers and students have become experts in miniaturizing some of the most innovative measurement tools. This allows us to be at the forefront of space exploration and competitive for greater opportunities where we can have a bigger impact.'
The centerpiece of HIGP's space science initiatives is HSFL, a multidisciplinary research and education center formed in collaboration with
Established in 2007, HSFL's reputation and resources skyrocketed after leading the state's first and only rocket launch in 2015, which allowed it to design and build world-class facilities with state-of-the-art equipment including: clean rooms; thermal vacuum chamber; vibration table; and an attitude determination and control testbed simulator. These resources have helped HIGP design, build, test and operate world-class space instrumentation.
Since then, HIGP has developed a string of successful NASA-funded technology development projects in collaboration with its
The compact spectroscopic technologies use interference phenomenon to measure long-wave infrared spectral radiance data (between 8-11 microns) to remotely identify and characterize the chemical composition of solids, gases and liquids. The key technology was developed by HIGP faculty member
In addition to measurement tools, HSFL has developed a Comprehensive Open-architecture Solution for Mission Operations System (COSMOS) that provides integrated flight software, ground station and mission operations for small satellites. Funded by
For more, see Noelo's 2023 story. Noelo is UH's research magazine from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
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