A CURRICULUM-INTEGRATED SMALL SPACECRAFT PROGRAM FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION

Space generates inspiration, aspiration, and passion in many students, traits that are often lacking in the traditional college classroom. By utilizing a meaningful space project with a tangible product, which serves a valuable purpose in the curriculum, instructors can generate passion in their students with regards to the topics being explored. Additionally, it can fuel interest in aerospace science and commerce, guiding more students towards valuable STEM degrees and job opportunities, which can lead to future growth and fresh blood in the aging aerospace employee pool.

Open Orbiter is a student-run research project at the University of North Dakota that can serve as a basis for developing this type of integrated interdisciplinary education. To date, it has involved over 200 students. When the design specifications, called the Open Prototype for Educational NanoSats (OPEN), are published, a cross-departmental effort towards building a Cube Sat for as little as $5,000 (payload excluded) in parts cost is possible.

This cross-departmental effort can span across both undergraduate and graduate programs and include a large number of college departments. The professors in these departments can create suitable projects that involve the small spacecraft in their curriculum. This paper evaluates both qualitative and quantitative benefits that this type of integrated approach has in fostering interest in STEM degrees, increasing students’ enthusiasm for class materials.