Washington University students to ride microgravity plane
John Scott
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: News
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The formal name is the C-9 microgravity plane, a NASA resource that will be used this spring by a group of students from Washington University's Aerospace Systems Lab as part of the University's nanosatellite project.
The Bandit/Akoya project, a name that refers to the two satellites involved, has been underway since 2003. Since that time, the team has designed and built the two-part satellite.
The test this spring will determine the functionality of Bandit's maneuvering abilities in a zero gravity environment.
Akoya, the host satellite, weighs just 29 kilograms, while Bandit weighs three. During flight, Bandit can detach and maneuver around Akoya.
The Bandit is designed to control and orient itself during flight but can also be controlled remotely.
Sophomore Katie Sullivan, the team leader, said the satellite needs to be tested in a zero gravity environment in order to see if it can be maneuvered properly.
"We have absolutely no idea how these things function in space. We want to see how it functions in zero gravity. The only way you can do that on earth is to take a plane and fly straight down," said Sullivan.
The test is part of NASA's Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program. The University is one of 11 schools participating in the Nanosat-5 competition.
Junior Mary Mathias has worked on the project since last year. According to Mathias, a different team also performed tests on the satellite last year, but it did not yield the desired results. The problem was that the design of the experiment did not allow Bandit to move freely, as it was confined to a large box. This time, however, the satellite will not be confined.
"It didn't work so well because you have such a short time of microgravity, [and] it was hitting the sides of the box. We are going to do a free float this time," said Mathias.
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