The GeneSat-1 Microsatellite MissionA Challenge in Small Satellite Design

The mission of the GeneSat-1 technology demonstration spacecraft is to validate the use of researchquality instrumentation for in situ biological research and processing. GeneSat-1 is a “triple-CubeSat” vehicle currently being developed for launch as a secondary payload on a Minotaur launch vehicle in late 2006. Spacecraft and mission development is being led by the NASA Ames Research Center Astrobionics group. However, university participation is a crucial element of the program with significant contributions being made from a number of academic groups throughout the Silicon Valley region. This paper will review progress in the development of the GeneSat-1 mission. In addition, the role of each University partner will be discussed, the educational elements of the program will be described, and a discussion of technical and organization challenges will be presented. Finally, the paper will review the relevance of GeneSat-1’s technology to advanced sensing concepts, bio-technology and pharmaceutical research, astrobiology, and human space flight research