Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe Student Collaboration (IMAP)

Working with the University of New Hampshire (UNH, PI institution) and Howard University, SSU faculty, staff, and students plan, design, build, and test a CubeSat with faculty, staff, and students at UNH and Howard. One CubeSat is built at each institution. By participating in this CubeSat project, SSU students will support scientists' research of electron heating in the ionosphere and ion outflow from Earth's magnetic boundary between open and closed magnetic fields. Dr. Peticolas, PI of the SSU effort, provides scientific expertise, mentors students, and manages the overall SSU effort. Prof. Cominsky leads the student recruitment and technical education framework development. Dr. Jernigan leads the development of the CubeSat bus and interface to the scientific instruments, while mentoring SSU students. This work is a part of NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) Student Collaboration Project that augments NASA's IMAP science return, develops hands-on research experiences for students, and contributes to diversifying space science.