Why Join the GAS Team?
The GAS Team is an ideal way for an individual to get real-world experience as an undergraduate. The GAS Team models itself on a mix of aerospace engineering companies and university research labs, to provide its members with an authentic experience. This experience is invaluable for those looking to pursue a career in industry, academia, or higher education such as a master’s or PhD. Additionally, being on the GAS Team allows you the opportunity to send something you have worked on to space!
On the GAS Team, members get the opportunity to develop skills such as project management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication along with technical engineering and business skills. The application of classroom knowledge is a great boost to a resume as is many of the technical conferences the team attends. Being on the GAS Team also allows students to build relationships with team connections and secure summer internships either with the GAS Team or elsewhere.
Who Can Join?
The GAS Team accepts volunteer team members from all majors at USU. Little experience is needed from freshmen and sophomores; however, the team asks that all juniors and seniors have some experience in whatever they are joining the team to do. This does not have to be satellite specific experience. The team does require a short application process.
- Graphic design (design apparel and promotional materials)
- Video production (create videos for use in outreach/promotional material)
- Business development (secure funding and maintain a strong relationship with industry sponsors and university connections)
- Outreach (assist with the Bring Utah Students to Space program)
- Electrical engineering (design PCBs)
- Communications engineering (build a ground station for communicating with the satellite)
- Software engineering (write flight software)
How Can I Join?
To join the GAS Team, students will need to complete the application form linked below. The application process is fairly simple and allows us to understand where students may best excel on the team. Once your application has been submitted, we will contact you to discuss the next steps!
The application includes:
- Resume
- Cover letter explaining why you want to join the GAS Team and what you can provide to the team
- Learn about the GAS Team and select what subteams you may be interested in
Opening Meeting
Miss the Fall 2023 onboarding cycle? No worries, you can still apply any time throughout the rest of the school year! Please read the "How Can I Join" section above to begin.
Want to see what discussion you missed during our Fall 2023 opening meeting? If so, you can download our presentation below.
Team Structure
If you join the GAS Team, you can join any of the following subteams working on sending a satellite to space!
The ADCS Team designs the attitude determination and control system for the satellite. This involves the development of software algorithms and commands along with the implementation of the software on its respective hardware. For GASRATS, the ADCS will be a novel design that uses only magnetorquers for 3-axis control.
The Avionics Team is responsible for the electronic systems of the satellite and ensures all components properly interface with each other. With many differing interfaces, it is critical to ensure power and data can be correctly transferred throughout the satellite. Avionics will also be responsible for designing and building a complex PCB to interface the Raspberry Pi onboard computer with the rest of the satellite components and sensors.
The Business Team manages the administrative, financial, and logistical aspects of the CubeSat project. This can involve fundraising, budgeting, sponsorships, procurement, team coordination, and overall project management to ensure the project's success. For GASRATS, the business team will be largely responsible for securing funding for the team through grants and company sponsorships.
The Environmental Testing Team subjects the satellite to various simulated space conditions and stresses, such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and vibrations. This ensures that the satellite can withstand the harsh environment of space and continue to function properly. For the GAS Team the two main testing systems will be thermal vacuum (TVAC) and vibration. The environmental testing team will be responsible for building a TVAC chamber as well as performing TVAC and vibration testing.
The Flight Software Team develops the software that controls and manages the satellite's operations. They design the software architecture, implement command and telemetry processing, and ensure that the software interfaces seamlessly with hardware components. GASRATS will be utilizing the F' (F Prime) flight software framework developed by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The GAS Team is working directly with JPL engineers to adapt and expand F' for use on GASRATS.
The Outreach Team focuses on engaging the public, educational institutions, and the broader community in the GASRATS project. They organize events, workshops, educational programs, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about space exploration, technology, and STEM education. The primary duties of the Outreach team will be to carry out the Bring Utah Students to Space (BUSS) Program.
The Payload Team is responsible for designing and manufacturing the transparent patch antenna (TPA) payload on GASRATS. The payload team will also take responsibility for the design and manufacture of the camera deployment system used to image the TPA while in orbit. Integration of both these systems with the rest of the satellite will also be the responsibility of the Payload Team.
Open Leadership Positions
The GAS Team is looking to fulfill the following leadership positions. If you feel you may be a good fit, say so in your application or contact us directly.
Lead Environmental Testing Engineer
Credit: NASA- Lead the team responsible for simulating and testing the satellite and satellite components within space-like environments
- Build a thermal vacuum chamber to simulate the temperature swings the satellite will experience in low Earth orbit
- Determine the best method(s) to simulate and test the vibrations the satellite will experience on launch and deployment
- Perform analysis and assist in recommending areas of improvement based upon test results