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IMAGER Payload on Maine's First CubeSat

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Summary

MESAT1 on the lab bench at the University of Maine.
MESAT1 on the lab bench at the University of Maine.

MESAT1 (MainE Satellite CubeSat Project), Maine’s first small satellite, was selected in the 11th round of the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative for placement on a manifest list for a space mission between 2021 and 2023. The MESAT1 has since been scheduled to launch in June 2022.

Wells Reserve Role

Three payloads are planned for MESAT1. The Wells Reserve is providing guidance for one of them, IMAGER, which is being developed by Fryeburg Academy to study estuaries. IMAGER will capture photographs of shallow coastal waters and students will use the images for assessing turbidity (particles suspended in water) and phytoplankton concentrations.

What are CubeSats?

MESAT1 is a 3U (3-unit) CubeSat about the size of a loaf of bread. NASA describes CubeSats this way:

CubeSats are a type of small spacecraft. In their smallest form, they measure about four inches on each side, weigh less than three pounds, and have an approximate volume of one quart. CubeSats are built using these standard dimensions or Units (U) and are typically classified as 1U, 2U, 3U, 6U, or 12U in total size.

Through the CubeSat Launch Initiative, NASA arranges for small research satellites to "hitch a ride" with planned spaceflight missions led by NASA, other U.S. government agencies, or commercial organizations. To qualify for the program, a CubeSat proposal must address aspects of NASA’s science, technology development, or education goals. After launch, CubeSats deploy into orbit from either the launch vehicle or the International Space Station.

Timeline

  • February 2020: MESAT1 selected for CubeSat Launch Initiative program
  • 2020–2022: Satellite research, development, and testing
  • June 2022: Scheduled satellite launch on a Firefly Aeronautics Alpha vehicle

Dr. Jason Goldstein with MESAT1 and the project team. Photo: Scott Richardson

Dr. Jason Goldstein with MESAT1 and the project team. Photo: Scott Richardson

Dr. Jason Goldstein shows off a test model of the MESAT1 imaging module. Its four lenses are fitted with filters designed to capture images from specific portions of the color spectrum required by three student experiments carried by the satellite. Photo: Rebecca Kibler.

Dr. Jason Goldstein shows off a test model of the MESAT1 imaging module. Its four lenses are fitted with filters designed to capture images from specific portions of the color spectrum required by three student experiments carried by the satellite. Photo: Rebecca Kibler.

Partners

  • University of Maine
  • University of Southern Maine
  • Saco Middle School
  • Fryeburg Academy / Wells Reserve
  • Falmouth High School
  • AMSAT-NA
  • NASA

Funding

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration: $300,000 through the CubeSat Launch Initiative program
  • NASA Maine Space Grant Consortium
  • University of Maine
  • University of Southern Maine

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