Viraj Patel
Integration and Testing Lead at Alpha Mission, Cornell Space Systems Design Studio - Ithaca, NY, US
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Alpha Mission, Cornell Space Systems Design Studio
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Alpha Mission, Cornell Space Systems Design Studio
Ithaca, NY, US • 20 - 49 EmployeesAerospace/Defense
Alpha Mission is a research group under the larger Space Systems Design Studio at Cornell University. Developed by a team of graduate and undergraduate students, Alpha is a 1U CubeSat picosatellite which will deploy and operate a 1m² laser-propelled light sail and use four Sprite ChipSats. The purpose of the Alpha mission is to serve as a technical demonstration of a light sail in orbit, verifying the properties of a highly retroreflective material for laser propulsion. The sail's architecture will demonstrate key functions of next-generation ChipSat technology. Inspired by the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, the mission will be a milestone in deep space exploration due to its cost reduction via 3D printing, its decentralized control network, its potential range, and its efficient assembly components, seeking to set an example for the next generation of CubeSats.