Our Heritage
Benchmark Space Systems 1 is a technology demonstration 3U by Benchmark Space Systems. It is designed to demonstrate the DEFAST propulsion system. Which uses inert non-toxic powdered fuel that is filled before shipping and remains inert until the pressurization command is triggered on-orbit. The CubeSat was built by NearSpace Launch
MakerSat-1 was launched in a joint effort with Northwest Nazarene University. Its structural frame was 3D-printed in August 2017, using the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) printer aboard the ISS. This was the first satellite to be 3D printed in space.
On April 17, a 60 ThinSat constellation launched off the Antares NG-11 mission. The ThinSats are part of a program to set a new standard for STEM education in the US. Over 400 high school and middle school students developed and built the satellites.
Proof of concept satellite for long term storage in orbit by Asgardia (AKA The Space Nation Asgardia). The satellite hosted a 512 GB SSD preloaded in data. NSL delivered a 2U in a record 32 days.
The AFRL SHARC 5U launched from Nanoracks ISS launcher relying on NSL’s EyeStar S2F and D2F communication systems, to deliver near-real time data, as well as NSL’s EPS, solar arrays, and batteries.
University of Colorado Boulder’s Challenger mission flew with an NSL Eyestar S2F Communication System, providing the QB50 team with 24/7 data about particle activity in the lower third region of the thermosphere.
Launched from P-POD aboard an Atlas-5, the GEARRS2 was developed with a shockingly quick 45 day turnaround. Funded by the AFRL this satellite’s mission was to test new instrumentation and to further characterize capabilities of the Globalstar Network.
GEARRS1 (GlobalStar Experiment and Risk Reduction Satellite) was Indiana’s fist commercial satellite. After GEARRS1’s power systems survived a year on a shelf, the satellite exceeded expectations, fulfilling main objectives and preforming beyond expectations.
NearSpace launched its first ever satellite, the Taylor Satellite or the TSAT, in 2014. This was done in collaboration with the Taylor University Physics and Engineering Department. NSL provided the communications for this satellite. This launch also marked Indiana’s first satellite put into orbit.
