The satellite was designed and built by students at the University of Maine and launched into orbit on July 4th.
ORONO, Maine — Three months after the launch of Maine’s first small research satellite, students are already using data collected from the satellite in a variety of research fields.
The satellite was designed and built by University of Maine students and launched into orbit on July 4th. Satellites take images of the Earth and collect climate data.
“It’s really exciting,” said Armand Kiani, a doctoral student from Maine.
Inside UMaine’s Wireless Sensing Lab, Kiani receives and observes data from satellites.
He moved from Iran to Maine to make his mark in satellite research.
“This is a great place to work on projects and stay motivated to keep moving forward,” Chiani said.
Dr. Ali Abedi, vice president for research at the University of Maine, said more than 4,000 people around the world receive climate data from satellites and use them for all kinds of research studying climate change, water quality, energy, etc. .
“The scope is basically almost broad and unlimited, and it depends only on the student’s imagination – how they get the data and how they interpret it,” Abedi said.
PhD student Mercede Nazishabahan uses data from satellites in her research on radio propagation in forested areas.
She uses satellite imagery of Maine to adapt her research as forests change.
“It’s kind of unbelievable. It feels great to see the satellite working well and transmitting scientific and engineering data,” Najshabahan said.
Abedi said the project will not only support Maine’s space industry, but will also help make tourism, agriculture and other industries in the state more efficient.
“The feeling that our students are contributing to the economy and giving back to the state of Maine makes us very happy,” Abedi said.
UMaine offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience.
“It really builds your knowledge base and really solidifies what you’ve learned in the classroom and connects it to real-world experience. It’s an invaluable experience,” said Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Maine. , said Josiah Bloom.
Many students who participate in this program are aiming for the stars and preparing for future careers in engineering and space.
“This is an opportunity for me to move forward,” Kiani said.
The satellite’s orbit is expected to last between six months and two years.
This project is part of NASA’s Cube Sat Launch Initiative in partnership with the Maine Space Grant Consortium.
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