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Out of this World: Brown students set to send satellite to outer space


A CubeSat, which is a cubed satellite, is no bigger than a gift box. (WJAR)
A CubeSat, which is a cubed satellite, is no bigger than a gift box. (WJAR)
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Brown University is poised to go into outer space.

Well, technically, it's a satellite that students have been working on for the last seven years.

It’s called a CubeSat, a cubed satellite, which is no bigger than a gift box.

This one was named “Equisat” by the rotating group of volunteer undergrads as Brown. It's been officially tagged, going into outer space in less than two months.

Hunter Ray has been at the helm of the group this year, coordinating all aspects of launching the satellite. He said the name “Equisat” was used to demonstrate “the equitable use of space, showing everyone that space is not reserved for brilliant rocket scientists or heroic astronauts (only), that really everyone can be part of the space program.”

Most students aren't getting any course credit. They are spending their free time working on their dream.

Asutosh Swain is a sophomore who’s studying physics, but volunteers to be part of the satellite program.

“The feeling that you get when you realize that this is actually going up there -- it's surreal almost,” Swain said.

Tyler Fox, who is getting his masters at Brown in computer science, is psyched at the chance.

“Companies like Space X and Blue Origin really will help lower the costs of launches and make it possible for a lot more space startups and people to do really cool things,” Fox said. “I think there’s a huge opportunity there and I’m excited to see what people do. And I hope to be part of it.”

Total materials cost less than $5,000. But the experience is priceless.

The satellite literally on-hand at Brown right now is a duplicate of the actual “Equisat” that's already been shipped off to Houston, and is now being prepped for launch. Then, it will be sent over to Wallops Island, Virginia, to take off into the sky on May 9.

“‘Equisat” will be the first satellite in space with four lithium ion phosphate batteries, which will in turn flash four LEDs once per minute, visible with the naked eye on earth, including its five-minute daily arc over Providence.

“By flashing the LED's that we have on the satellite, we can test these batteries being discharged, charged, and have that data available for future space flights,” Manav Kohli, a Brown senior electrical engineer student said.

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