BOBSat is a ground-breaking project that will change the history of this university by launching the first satellite for UC Merced. BOBSat stands for Biomass Observation Broadband Satellite, and it's purpose will be monitoring root zone soil moisture and the snow water equivalent using P-band signal frequencies to improve agricultural efficiency in the Central Valley. Based off of the results and success of this goal, it will open the door and create possibilities for the satellite to be used for gathering data of the lunar and Martian surfaces for future human exploration.
BOBSat
Our Mission
Along with being the university's first satellite, this project aims to diversify the fields of study and research available for members of AIAA. Members will gain experience in space science and engineering, not only learning about the mechanics of a satellite for functionality, but also the design philosophies necessary to build an efficiently operating spacecraft that can handle the demands of what is outside of this globe. The tasks required for this project will be split up into Structures and Environment (SENV), Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS), Electrical Power System (EPS), Communication and Data Handling (C&DH), Ground Operations (GRND), Mission Payload (MPL), Mission Analysis (MA), and Systems Engineering (SE). All the skills and experience a member learns in this project is easily transferrable into the workforce or academia and it greatly improves resumes for internship and job applications.