Following the successful launch of the Killick-1 satellite from the International Space Station in May of this year, engineering students at Memorial University are developing a second earth observation satellite with a mission to study the ocean as part of the Canadian Space Agency CUBICS program.
On November 14, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced in investment of $350,000 from the Research Innovation Fund to help get the project off the ground.
Spearheaded by C-CORE and Memorial University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, MUNStar-1 will be a CubeSat that contains a GNSS Reflectometry payload. The satellite will collect GPS signals reflected from the earth's surface as a passive radar to measure waves, winds, sea ice, oil spills and other ocean parameters from space.
In addition to providing valuable scientific data, construction of MUNStar-1 will educate aspiring young engineers in space systems and earth observation. The team includes a large group of undergraduate and graduate electrical, mechanical and mechatronics engineering students. The satellite will be deployed to a sun synchronous orbit or an orbit similar to the International Space Station.
This investment adds to a $350,000 grant from the Canadian Space Agency and $100,000 from C-CORE.
Quotes
"Through this project, engineering students at Memorial University will have a world-class opportunity as they get hands-on experience building a device that is literally bound for outer space. MUNStar-1 will take Newfoundland and Labrador's long and storied connection to the ocean to new heights. This project will help train the next generation highly qualified professionals for our province's growing tech sector and inspire a new generation to consider a career in technology."
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
"We're committed to supporting the remarkable creativity and ambition of our country's next generation of scientists and innovators. The MUNStar-1 project not only positions Memorial University as an innovative space research institution, but also gives students an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing cutting-edge technology that will contribute to the advancement of Earth observation science."
Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"It is an honour to work on a project that serves the dual purpose of training young engineers in space systems and launching a satellite that enables adaptation to climate change impacts. This project will allow companies like C-CORE to hire young engineers from the province who already have the skills necessary to work on industry problems."
Desmond Power, Vice-President, Remote Sensing, C-CORE
"Funding from the Province's Research Innovation Fund is essential to advancing the research conducted at Memorial University. Our Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has significant expertise in radar systems, and these additional funds will help build our research portfolio to world class levels. This will position us to effectively tackle climate change issues of importance to the province."
Weimin Huang, Full Professor, Memorial University
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