Students Solving Authentic Space Exploration Challenges: Micro-g NExT

摘要

As NASA embarks upon a Journey to Mars, new hardware concepts are necessary to meet the ambitious goal of human exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams, shortened as Micro-g NExT, provides an immersive end-to-end engineering design experience whereby undergraduate students develop potential tools and protocols for future space exploration missions. In this paper, we present a sustainable, innovative model for undergraduate student involvement in solving space exploration challenges while enhancing the undergraduate academic experience. The model presented supports the critical aspects of providing opportunity to contribute to current space exploration solutions, utilizing NASA-unique testing facilities, and interaction with NASA scientists and engineers throughout the engineering design process. As a result of the implementation of this model, benefits are realized in the area of accelerated technology and hardware development directly applicable to space exploration in addition to preparation of students for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.