Space R&D: Websites
Space Flight Laboratory | Univ. of Toronto Instit. for Aerospace Studies
This university-based organization that's "building Canada's future in space" developes small satellites and flight payloads for a wide range of space research applications. They also utilize graduate students in their endeavors, help arrange university-developed payload launches, and provide hands-on training.
Silicon Valley Space Club - Overview
“Bringing the spirit of Silicon Valley to Space Commercialization” The SVSC was started several years ago focused on this mission. Weekly telecons are held with members to review meetings attended, upcoming events, recent milestones and collaboration formation, and advocacy actions underway and to be taken on behalf of fostering space commercialization. The SVSC has members from all industry sectors including NASA, space R&D, entrepreneurs, professional media, space commercialization advocates, and more.
California Launch Vehicle Education Initiative (CALVEIN) MAE Projects
“The CSULB-based California Launch Vehicle Education Initiative (CALVEIN) integrates engineering hands-on education with technology development for tomorrow’s low cost launch vehicles and small spacecraft and provides payload developers with flight opportunities. Technologies include advanced propulsion systems such as aerospike and LOX/methane rocket engines, low cost telemetry systems, wireless sensor applications, (and more).” This education and training program is done in collaboration with Garvey Spacecraft.
Space Flight Simulation and Analogues
Performing experiments in space is an expensive and time-consuming process. An investigator would be extremely fortunate to fly one experiment a year for several years in a row. For this reason, scientists are constantly looking for ground-based models that simulate the effects of microgravity on their experimental subjects. Although no ground-based model can perfectly simulate the effects of microgravity, models allow scientists to gather preliminary data and expand their knowledge of certain phenomena observed in space without the cost or complication of a space flight experiment. This Special Topic at SpaceBio provides an overview of various ground-based models.