Student Involvement Takes Off

Scott McKay is a Faculty of Science student working on a Joint Honours degree in Physics and Chemistry.  When he’s not studying for his courses, working in Dr. Gough’s research lab in Chemistry, or performing in the Chemistry Magic show, he’s part of an approximately 80 person team of students from across faculties at the University of Manitoba who have joined forces to compete in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge. 

What is the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge?

“The primary objective of the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC) is for teams of university students (undergraduate and graduate) to design and build an operational small-satellite, based on commercially-available, "off-the-shelf" components.

The satellites will undergo full launch and space environment qualification, and the ultimate goal of the CSDC is to launch the winning satellite into orbit in order to conduct science research.

The CSDC will begin at participating universities and colleges in September, 2010; the winning satellite(s) will be selected in October, 2012.”¹

How did you become part of the CSDC?

Scott saw posters in the Engineering Information and Technology Complex (EITC) recruiting UM volunteers.  In speaking with some of his friends, he discovered that the UM, CSDC team was looking for Faculty of Science students to work on the science research experiment part of the project.

Scott says, “I’ve always had a huge interest in space.  Although I don’t have a formal education in space science, I thought my background in Physics, Chemistry and Biological Sciences could make useful contributions.”

Scott continues, “I am drawn to Science because I enjoy being on the frontier of discovery.  I am interested in the new, in doing things that no one else has done before.  Involvement with the UM CSDC is a perfect fit for me.”

What is your part of the project?

The project itself is to, from scratch, design, build, and launch a pico satellite.  The satellite dimensions can be no more than 10x10x30 cm (about the size of a 2 litre milk carton), and can’t weigh more than 4 kg.  The satellite must also be able to perform a scientific experiment. 

The Science Payload group is planning to conduct two experiments:  one in solar spectroscopy, the other in astrobiology.  For the summer, the Science Payload team is putting in 20-30 hours per week on the project to get as much done as possible before classes resume in September.  In addition, there are big group meetings every two weeks that involve the members of other parts of the project.

The next major deadline is the external review in September, which includes reviewers from industry such as Standard Aero and Boeing.  The results of the external review will determine whether the UM team can move forward to the next phase of the competition.

With such a short deadline and a lot of work to do, those 20-30 hours per week (outside of full-time employment) have meant some all-nighters for some of the members of the Science Payload team.

Why should a student become involved?

 “The CSDC provides a tremendous opportunity for an undergraduate student to be part of a major student-run research and design project in the very early stages of one’s career.  It is an amazing experience to be part of such a large, diverse and nationally competitive team.   We are covering everything from a parts list, to risk assessment, to experimental procedures, to budget.  The project is all encompassing.” says Scott.

Scott, however, has always been attracted to the bigger experience.  When he left high school, he chose the UM because he wanted the bigger campus experience with more choices for courses and involvement.  That involvement, besides the CSDC, began with the Chemistry Club.  It was through the Chemistry Club that Scott was able to meet like-minded people: people who liked science and who were willing to devote time to it.  Scott also liked the idea of changing stereotypes and misconceptions that sometimes discourage students from pursuing science education and careers in science.  “Chemistry, for example, is a lot more than just measuring and writing things down,” explains Scott. 

As part of Chemistry Club, Scott is one of the Chemistry Magic Show magicians that perform for high school students during tours and the University’s annual open house: Info Days.  The magicians are able to showcase the fun of chemistry through fire, explosions and the wonder of liquid nitrogen, all under the direction of Master Magician Dr. Carl Bartels.

Scott’s advice: “Become involved with your University.  Take advantage of the opportunities a big research campus has to offer.”

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge contact:
Dario Schor   dario_schor@umanitoba.ca
Cody Friesen umfri347@cc.umanitoba.ca.  

If you are interested in becoming part of the Chemistry Club, check out their website:

Be an active member of your University!

---

¹ Canadian Satellite Design Competition Announcement 2011.  geocentrix.ca.  
http://www.geocentrix.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=2