AFRL and NASA Collaborate with Eight Universities for Innovative Mission Concept Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and NASA have partnered with eight universities for a new Mission Concept Program (MCP) under the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP). The program aims to alleviate barriers to entry, including full satellite development, aggressive cycles or schedules, and competitive proposals. AFRL staff will provide students with hands-on experience in mission development and design. The selected universities include Florida Institute of Technology, University of the Virgin Islands, University of South Florida, University of New Mexico, Missouri University of Science and Technology, New Mexico State University, Columbia University, and Tarleton State University. Each proposal was chosen for its educational impact, university impact, minority outreach, and Department of Defense and NASA relevance. Under UNP, the selected universities will work in collaboration with AFRL and NASA to develop nanosatellites. Four students from each of the selected universities will have the opportunity to gain practical skills during a month-long intensive training session at Kirtland Air Force Base.