Project Title: “Investigation of Spectral Wave Model Forecast Near Hawai`i Using Satellites”

Mentor: Dr. Justin Stopa, Assistant Professor, ORE – UHM

Jackson Richards is a Junior majoring in Global Environment Science. His project is based off the “Investigation of Spectral Wave Model Forecast Near Hawai`i Using Satellites.” Ocean waves are a key component of Earth’s complex climate system, contributing to ocean circulation patterns that shape our coasts as we know of today. Now more than ever, there is a growing need for reliable wave forecasts in our rapidly changing world. Wave models are important tools that help us predict ocean conditions in advance. Although wave models can predict ocean conditions accurately at the beginning of a forecast, their performance typically degrades as a function of forecast time. Considering the importance of wave model performance, this proposed research project will rigorously evaluate a spectral wave model in Hawaiʻi using buoy and satellite observations as reference. This will be done by obtaining buoy, model, and satellite datasets, investigating these matchups relative to ocean conditions, and applying various error metrics to analyze the model.

Project Title: “Mineral Distribution in Three Particles from Asteroid Ryugu”

Mentor: Dr. Elena Dobrica, Professor, HIGP – UHM

Julia Williams is a Junior majoring in Astrophysics. Her research project on “Mineral Distribution in Three Particles from Asteroid Ryugu” project aims to identify and evaluate the distribution of aqueous alteration minerals within the Ryugu samples. The proposed research project will focus on the presence of chemical heterogeneities that could help us decipher the growth conditions and mechanisms that could have modified these minerals. The results will have important implications that will enhance our understanding of the local geochemical microenvironments within the Ryugu asteroid.

Project Title: “Reaction Wheels Derived from Hard Disk Drives for use in Cube Satellites”

Mentor: Dr. Amber-Imai Hong, Staff, HIGP – UHM

Oliver Suncin is a Junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Concentration. His research “Reaction Wheels Derived from Hard Disk Drives for use in Cube Satellites” is an approach to utilizing Hard Disk Drive (HDD) components as a low-cost alternative for reaction wheels in CubeSats during the duration of the Spring 2024 term. As small satellites gain popularity for low-cost space missions, the restrictive expense of attitude determination and control sensing systems that include traditional reaction wheels currently available on the market poses a challenge. This project aims to demonstrate the performance and viability of HDD platters and spindles as functional reaction wheels. It emphasizes on risk mitigation, cost reduction, and technological advancement, the project aspires to resolve financial constraints in CubeSat missions.

Group Members:

Sapphira Akins – Junior, Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Howin Ma – Junior, Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Christopher Freitas – Senior, Mechanical Engineering

John Ryan Taylor – Senior, Electrical Engineering

Ian Ogata – Junior, Mechanical Engineering

Mentor: Dr. Peter Englert, Professor, HIGP – UHM

The “CubeSat Relativistic Electron and Proton Energy Separator” mission, also known as CREPES, is a student-driven project derived from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Earth and Planetary Exploration Technology (EPET) course that aims to utilize a 1U CubeSat carrying a set of silicon and gas electron multiplier (GEM) detectors to collect Solar Energetic Particle data. With this Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) data, the team can locate flux and energy density of the solar ejecta to better understand solar modulation and its role in accelerating and transporting solar energetic particles.

Group Members

Taylor Todd – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineer

Micah Chang – Senior, Mechanical Engineer

Mentor: Dr. Joseph Brown, Professor – UHM

Advanced Interlocking Structural Frames for Rapid Construction and Assembly is an approach to joining tubing without traditional fasteners. These frames allow quick connections, retaining and releasing components as needed. The project’s primary goal is to aid NASA’s strategic objectives, particularly in human space exploration4. Whether in low earth orbit, on the moon, or on distant planets, interlocking frames offer astronauts a faster, easier way to assemble structures. Beyond NASA, these frames could also find applications in terrestrial infrastructure development and other space grant projects.

Project Title: Gamma Neutron Energy Space Exploration Spectrometer (GNESES)

Savannah Dubois – Junior, Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Concentration

Duy Lee – Junior, Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Concentration

Gianna Longo – Junior, Astronomy

Kate Macaulay – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Concentration

Alexander Peterson – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering

Mentor: Dr. Peter Englert, Professor, HIGP – UHM

“Gamma Neutron Energy Space Exploration Spectrometer (GNESES)” is an innovative proposal that integrates neutron and gamma-ray detection for planetary exploration in a small volume array. Crafted in alignment with the NASA 2023-2032 decadal survey objectives, GNESES is designed to address critical goals such as determining planetary elemental composition, identifying water, and ultimately assessing the habitability potential of Mars and the Moon.

Group Members

Ralph Martin Adra  – Junior, Astrophysics

Jennai Dreger – Senior, Environmental Earth Science

Katalyna Larvarez – Junior, Astrophysics

Nikola Mazzarella – Junior, Physics

Dalten Morales-Pang – Junior, Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Concentration

Mentor: Dr. Peter Englert, Professor, HIGP – UHM

The “Variability in Atmosphere due to Solar Energetic Events Study” (VIA-SEEs) is a CubeSat mission that intends to act as a joint science and technology mission. The continuing project is student-led under the support of the Earth and Planetary Exploration Technologies (EPET) program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The VIA detector development activities include the development of a spectrometer testbed, generating spectral reference data, and preparing scientific data acquisition from Low Earth Orbit. The team is able to study Solar Energetic Electrons, Nitrous Oxide, and Ozone concentration concurrently and after a solar event in order to study the degradation effects on our atmosphere.

Project Title: Exploring On-Board Computers with Multi-Level Efficiency for CubeSats

Mentor: Dr. Amber-Imai Hong, Staff, HIGP – UHM

Noah Thompson is a Senior studying Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Concentration. His research entitled “Exploring On-Board Computers with Multi-Level Efficiency for CubeSats” aims to investigate different On-Board Computers (OBC), emphasizing features that make them best suited for various CubeSat projects. Considering robustness, efficiency, and cost, the study aims to assist in OBC selection for current and future projects making them more efficient and achievable. This research can support cost-effective solutions and make CubeSat projects more achievable and efficient.

Project King: “Uncovering Properties of Planet-Hosting Stars Across the Milky Way Galaxy”

Mentor: Dr. Winston Wu, Assistant Professor, Computer Science – UHH

Angela Claibourn is a Sophomore majoring in Astronomy and Physics. Her research is on “Uncovering Properties of Planet-Hosting Stars Across the Milky Way Galaxy” which is focused on the question: ʻAre planet formation still suppressed around close binary stars and metal-poor stars throughout our galaxy?ʻ The project is to answer this research question in a multi-faceted big data project that will expand our knowledge of stars and the conditions for exoplanet formation. It has three concrete research thrusts: crossmatching and analysis of two large star catalogs, machine learning to predict stellar properties, and the development of a web interface to share research findings.

Project Title: Determining the Structure and Mass Distribution of the Laniakea Supercluster using Type Ia Supernovae

Mentor: Dr. David Jones, Faculty, Institute for Astronomy – UHH

Atlas Syncatto is a Sophmore majoring in Astronomy & Philosophy and minoring at Physics. Her research proposal discusses the topic on “Determining the Structure and Mass Distribution of the Laniakea Supercluster using Type Ia Supernovae.” The project is to derive an understanding of the structure and mass distribution of the Laniakea Supercluster which will give us insight into other large structures throughout the universe. It may also tell us more about the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, including how dark energy and cold dark matter influence baryonic matter and form structures like Laniakea.

Group Members

Mekhi Woods – Junior, Astronomy & Physics

Augustus Coffey – Senior, Astronomy & Physics

Dr. Marianne Takamiya, Professor, Institute for Astronomy – UHH

Their joint project Galaxy Morphology and Evolution Pertaining to Asymmetry & Investigating the Correlation Between Galaxy Age Petrosian Radius via JWST Observations. Aligns with NASA’s goal of expanding humanity’s knowledge about our universe. By using data from the James Webb Space Telescope(JWST), we will observe and intend to understand the early structure of galaxies. Our main research question is: “How did the first galaxies form, [and] how did we end up with the large variety of galaxies we see today?” By analyzing the structure of these early galaxies and comparing them to newer galaxies, we intend to show how galaxy formation has changed throughout our Universe’s history.

Members:

Christian Falcon – Junior, Natural Science – Engineering Joe

Vincent Yuro – Sophomore, Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology

Reymart Galano – Freshman, Natural Science

Justin Lucas Yuro – Junior, Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology

Mentor: Dr. Jung Park

Honolulu Community College’s Team is competing in the First Nation’s Launch 2024 Moon Challenge. Our objective is to design, build, and test a rocket and payload lander within certain restraints. The payload lander contains a GPS, camera, and altimeter with various functions and will be deployed from the rocket.

From left to right, Reymart Galano, Brandon Chung, Christian Falcon, Justin Lucas Bio, Joe Vincent Yuro.

The CanSat competition is an annual space-related competition open to university students worldwide. It provides students with design-build-launch engineering experience in real-world systems such as telemetry collection, communication, and autonomous systems. Team Kūkulu Ukali is in the competition’s critical design stage and on track to launch our payload at Virginia Tech in June 2024.

Project Title: Testing of Gravitation Action by Small Satellite Experiment

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Mentor: Dr. Radovan Milincic

Alexander Shultis is an undergraduate student majoring in Astrophysics. His proposed title Zero Gravity Galileo Drop using a mini satellite in geostationary orbit he plans to measure the gravitational constant grav

Mentor: Dr. Radovan Milincic

Project Title: Zero Gravity (Ze-Ga) Galileo Drop

Major: Astrophysics

Mentor: Dr. Radovan Milincic

Members:

Christopher Klapperich – Computing, Security & Networking Technology

Clarence Weatherwax – Sophomore, Undeclared

Gavin Jones – Sophomore, Computer Engineering & minoring in Aerospace Option Program

Ryan Vanairsdale – Junior, Computer Engineering & minoring in Aerospace Option Program

Mentor: Dr. Jacob Hudson

100K Rocket Project

Continuing its efforts to expand experimental science to new heights, the WCC team is designing, testing, and building a two-stage rocket to reach altitudes of >100,000 feet carrying an unspecified payload.  Reducing drag by constructing minimum diameter stages, as well as staging near transonic speeds is problematic, requiring an innovative approach to fusillage construction and sustainer stage initiation. Current progress on the development of this project will be presented.

Windward Autonomous Robotic Project – 17 (Prime)

ARLISS; A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites, requires teams to design, test, and fly a scientific payload that will be deployed via rocket at ~10,000 ft, and then must autonomously make its way toward a designated target area, all the while accumulating  atmospheric data.  Current progress on the development of this year’s entry will be presented.