Nebraska students to launch satellite into orbit, part of NASA project
LINCOLN, Neb. — A team of Nebraska middle and high school students, mentored by University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate engineering students, will have their satellite placed into Earth's orbit, according to UNL.
NASA announced the project is one of 14 research satellites from nine states, and the first ever from Nebraska, to be included in an upcoming launch in the next several years.
On April 24, the Nebraska Big Red Satellite Team will launch its first high-altitude balloon as precursor to the NASA initiative.
“The Big Red Satellite team is creating the next generation of aerospace problem solvers with the help of UNL students and professional mentors across the nation,” said John McClure, Big Red Satellite advisory board chair. “We want our team to play a role in developing the future of aerospace in Nebraska and promoting STEM opportunities for middle and high school students.”
Liftoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland and the public is invited to a brief program starting at 9:00 a.m.
Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon and former astronaut Clayton Anderson are scheduled to speak to the team.
