Jennifer Carter

Graduate Research Assistant

 

Graduate Assistantship Midterm Report

10.18.06

 

Jennifer B. Carter                                                           Space Science Center

 

 

As per Space Science Center Mission, Goals, and Staff Assignments Fall 2006, I, Jennifer Carter, a Graduate Assistant and the KySat Ground Operations Lead have been assigned the following tasks:

¬     Satellite Mission Support

¬     KySat Ground Operations Lead

¬     Install UHF/VHF Ground Station

¬     Design/Solicit Satellite Services

¬     21 Meter MSTA Operations

¬     Observing Night mentor/ optical telescope operator

¬     Supporting Project Development

¬     Student Recruitment/Retention Activities

¬     Tours/Presentations

 

            The majority of satellite mission support efforts are geared toward KySat; however a small percentage of the current semester is dedicated to the SNAP mission, that is, Super Nova Acceleration Probe.  I am currently researching the potential of using the MSTA to support the SNAP mission.  A full report is due at the end of the spring term.

            At the midterm, order requisitions for all components of the UHF/VHF ground station that will support the KySat mission have been made, however the purchases have not been made.  Upon delivery, components will be documented, tested, and assembled.  The engineering model of KySat is scheduled to be complete by late fall/early spring.  At this time the satellite will be brought to MSU to be tested in conjunction with ground station.  Currently as a KySat team member, I attend a virtual meeting with the group every Thursday afternoon between the times of 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm.  In addition to the weekly virtual meeting the team meets once a month, usually at the University of Kentucky, to present progress and discuss issues and future events involving KySat.  As both a KySat team member and a GA for the SSC, I will be presenting at various events to promote the KySat project and the programs associated with the Space Science Department.  This action is viewed as a student recruitment and retention activity.  Presentations I have given or will be giving this semester include KAS, Posters at the Capital, Presentation to University Presidents, Astronomy Space Science Club, and selected High Schools within the state.

            In addition to KySat, as a GA for the SSC, I assist the Astronomy and Astrophysics professors with their classes either by teaching class, offering student support, or actively participating in the nightly observing sessions required for all Astronomy students.  This activity includes assembling and calibrating the 14” and 10” Meade telescopes, as well as positioning on objects that are to be viewed and discussed by the professor. 

            I am currently learning to operate the 21 meter MSTA to support the KySat mission.  KySat has two transceivers on board, the primary UHF/VHF radio, and an experimental S-band radio.  The S-band radio operates in the range of 2.4-2.48 GHz.  I will be using the 21 Meter MSTA to communicate with the S-band radio to potentially command the satellite.  Further use of the 21 Meter MSTA will include my efforts to solicit middle and high school educators to utilize the instrument.  This activity is also viewed as a student recruitment activity. 

            In addition to presentations, I also give tours of the SSC and the MSTA to prospective students, parents, and other interested parties.  I also often attend Open Houses as well as SOARs to recruit students for the SS department.