Start a Discussion Topic2009 Summer Bridge - Small-Satellite Program (Nanosat-6)
This group is a place for Small-Satellite Program interns (Nanosat-6) to blog about some of their exciting work and play experiences.
Organization: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Department: College of Engineering
Program: Small-Satellite Program
Project: Nanosat-6
Student Intern: Joshua Javier
Supervisors: Shantel Hunt, Jason Axelson, Amber Imai
External Website: N/A
Internship Description:
The University of Hawaii Nanosat-6 Program is a 2-year project in collaboration with the Air Force. The project itself is of a classified nature and as such specific details are not allowed to be released. However the history of the subject shall suffice for what ensues in this challenging project. Satellites are objects orbiting a celestial body. A nanosatellite is a small satellite that weighs anywhere from 1 to 10 kg. Many governments choose to use nanosats for the sake of the fact that it is easier and cheaper to build and is a harder target for foreign countries to locate in terms of defense. Nanosatellites can be used in a variety of ways, from communication to GPS. The University of Hawaii’s small satellite lab has launched nanosatellites and cube-satellites over the past several years, starting in 2003 with Mea Huaka`i, which means the voyager and going on throughout the years with Hokulua (the Twin Stars), Ho`okele (Way Finder), Ho`okia`i (Watchman), and Kumu a`o (Source of Learning). These forerunners are the foundation for the project at hand.