Space Hardware Development: Space Flight Systems for Space Science

Advisor: John Sample

MSU's Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) involves students in highly responsible roles in science and engineering associated with the development of space flight systems for scientific applications. SSEL is Montana State University's center of expertise for the development of spaceflight technologies for research and applications from space. Faculty, staff, and facilities have been assembled for the development and operation of ultra-small satellites and other spaceflight platforms. SSEL puts students together with professional engineers, and faculty in science and engineering disciplines to conduct space flight experiments within an interdisciplinary research and student hands-on training environment. With professional mentoring, students take responsibility for all aspects of the project lifecycle, including project conception, project management, design, fabrication, testing, and operation of space and near-space systems. Further information is available on the web http://catalog.montana.edu/special-academic-opportunities/#discoverytext and on the SSEL home page URL at https://ssel.montana.edu/ .

SSEL will entertain applications from highly qualified applicants for space hardware development projects under the MSU REU program in Solar and Space Physics. Physics or physical science students with aspirations to participate in the development and operation of space experiments or students pursuing applied sciences and/or engineering degrees will find this project applicable. Applicants should have a strong interest in hands-on spaceflight hardware development. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated as well as being able to work effectively in a team environment. Successful applicants will have had previous experience in a laboratory setting, be comfortable with computers, and have experience, in one or more of: experimental physics, charged particle radiation sensors, mechanical or electrical engineering design/analysis or fabrication techniques, computer science, and general laboratory practice. A demonstrated interest to pursue a career in space science or space engineering will be an asset. In filling out your REU application (the web form), be sure include a couple of paragraphs in your essay specifically addressing your technical background, your qualifications, and your interests in one or more of the projects currently in development and described on the SSEL home page under the "Missions" pull-down.

Read about a few previous students' Space Hardware REU projects here: http://solar.physics.montana.edu/REU/2015/tcroteau/index.html , http://solar.physics.montana.edu/REU/2012/pinkardm/index.html , http://solar.physics.montana.edu/home/www/reu/2010/ilyon/ , and http://solar.physics.montana.edu/home/www/reu/2010/nroskoff/