Construction begins on 12-meter space-tracking antenna

Morehead State space systems engineering students will have even more resources to explore the stars with the installation of the new 12-meter tracking antenna.

The NASA Deep Space Network at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) transferred the antenna to MSU. It will serve as a satellite tracking station for low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite mission support and a training facility for space systems engineering, astrophysics, and astronomy students, allowing them to gain experience in space mission operations. The instrument will be available for satellite telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) services. The new antenna will build on the success of the larger 21-meter antenna system used to support NASA satellite and CubeSat missions developed by MSU students and staff. It is on a hilltop overlooking the MSU campus alongside the 21-meter antenna.

The 12-meter project is funded by several grants, including one from the Appalachian Regional Commission announced in late October and through a state appropriation.

Construction on the new antenna is expected to last 3-4 weeks.

For more information about Morehead State's Department of Physics, Earth Science and Space Systems Engineering programs, email phes@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2381.

Morehead State is a NASA Space Grant University. The Space Grant national network includes over 850 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies.