ASUSat3 (AS3) is a satellite designed and built for the University Nanosat 3 Program sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, AIAA and NASA Goddard.

We are competing with 13 other schools for a flight slot on the NASA Space Shuttle. AS3 is a multifaceted program that incorporates payloads from several different organizations.

Mission

• Bring emerging bio-/nano- technologies to bear to develop and demonstrate new capability: bio-sat test bed (NASA relevant).
• Integrate and demonstrate micro-propulsion system, Free Molecule Micro-Resistojet (Air Force relevant).
• Provide a positive and relevant student experience, and encourage a diverse group of young people to pursue careers in Aerospace.

Payload

Our first experiment is called EWOD. It is a grid that allows liquid droplets from one area to another, while cutting, merging and or separating the fluid. Potential applications include pharmaceutical production in space. This experiment is part of the NASA IRG, CMISE (Institute for Cell Mimetic Space Exploration) and is working in collaboration with UCLA.

The second experiment is a micro-propulsion unit called the Free Molecule Micro-Resistojet (FMMR). FMMR is a great system because it uses water as its propellant, which is both safe and readily available.

The entire satellite is designed and built by students. However, industry support is a crucial aspect to the survival of programs such as this.

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