What Are We Building?

Whether it's for checking the weather, getting to work, ordering food, or watching TV, satellites play a fundamental role in our modern way of life. However, the dangerous effects of space weather, coupled with the recent exponential growth in the number of satellites, threaten the critical functions that these satellites perform. This is why we at Team RUBIX, an undergraduate research group within the Gemstone Honors College, plan to build a small satellite capable of measuring upper-atmospheric conditions. A successful design would lay the foundation for a future network of atmospheric space-weather buoys. This network would provide satellite operators with the real-time data they need to protect the vital systems all of us depend on every day. 

Our design will consist of a 1 to 3 unit CubeSat, which corresponds to a side length of 10 - 30 cm. Its key innovation is a system that uses foam to inflate into a near spherical shape after launch. The spherical design allows for simplified measurements and more precise data. The inflatable design maintains the scalable aspects of traditional CubeSats, unlike rigid-shell spherical satellites which are expensive and complicated to launch. Past inflatable CubeSats have always relied on gas to expand, making our CubeSat the first of its kind. This pioneering approach has the potential to be more reliable and cheaper than previous satellites used to calibrate atmospheric models.

In order to turn this design into reality, we are asking for your support. Your donation today will directly fund the critical components of our prototype, helping us take the first crucial step in safeguarding our satellite-dependent world. Donate now to be a part of this groundbreaking mission!

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.