Nebraska Microgravity University 2009:
About:
The UNL College of Engineering is proud to participate in NASA's Microgravity University. The program engages selected college and university teams in scientific research that helps our nation's space program to refine its efforts. Projects are conducted during a series of parabolic reduced-gravity flights in specially-equipped NASA aircraft that reach 35,000 feet above the earth's surface.
2009 Projects:
1. Surface Habitat 1/6g Suitlock Evaluation
The UNL Microgravity Team "PowRED Up" will build and evaluate in lunar gravity (1/6 Earth-g) the floor space and volume required to donn and doff a 2-EVA suit suitlock surface habitat concept, and explore related operational considerations. This project, supporting the Lunar Surface Systems Project Office Surface Habitat Element, is a multi-disciplinary effort involving engineering, architectural, and human factors integration.
2. Flow of Granular Lunar Soil Simulant Through a Hopper
The UNL Microgravity Team "FAST" will build a device to study flow characteristics of lunar soil in the 1/6 gravity of the moon, to serve engineering of lunar outpost facilities. The experiment will involve designing a transparent closed container containing a "V" -shaped hopper with opening. Measuring the rate of flow through the hopper will provide information about the flow characteristics of several different soils to be tested in 1-g and in 1/6 g.
Microgravity Videos
Important Dates:
Oct. 22, 2008 - Proposal Due
Dec. 11, 2008 - Teams notified of selection
Feb. 12, 2009 - TEDP* Due
* Test Experiment Data Package
March 26 - April 4, 2009 - Flight Week
June 11, 2009 - Final Report Due
Team Contact:
Team FAST,
Brett Schlueter
Team PowRED Up,
Jack Mondry
Faculty Advisors:
Team PowRED Up,
