An Unprecedented Satellite Innovation

In a career spanning 36 years at NASA, veteran astronaut Stephen Robinson has seen it all—except for what was proposed by Proteus Space this summer. The director of UC Davis' Center for Space Exploration Research was astounded when he encountered a pitch that he deemed "impossible." What was that proposal? Launching a satellite into orbit just 13 months post-approval!

A Race Against Time

In a bold announcement on June 23, Proteus claimed to have completed this revolutionary satellite within a mere eight months, gearing up for a launch slated for October. If successful, this satellite would be celebrated as the fastest launch-qualified satellite in history!

Robinson is cautious but optimistic; although satellite failures are not uncommon, he believes this launch is primed for success. "It's been a fantastic experience to create something so unprecedented and meld our expertise into a unified vision," he noted, eagerly anticipating the launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Cutting-Edge Payload Technology

While Proteus designed the satellite, UC Davis played a pivotal role by contributing a unique payload—essentially the data-collecting 'package' onboard the satellite. Robinson described the payload's purpose as crucial for deep-space exploration, particularly when communication delays can pose significant challenges.

"Long-distance communication means we need to predict spacecraft conditions autonomously. If things were certain yesterday, what will they be tomorrow?" he explained, highlighting the innovative self-assessment capabilities of the technology.

Meet the Rising Star: Adam Zufall

Adam Zufall, a standout graduate student and former NASA engineer, is another shining star in this ambitious project. After earning his aerospace engineering degree in 2017, Zufall brings invaluable experience and insight to the table.

"Building something real after endless theory is the essence of engineering. That’s where the magic happens," he said, sharing his passion for hands-on projects.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Robinson praised Zufall as a "spectacular project manager," underscoring the intricate teamwork required in spacecraft construction. "Testing a spacecraft is one of the toughest challenges, and Adam is a natural leader who keeps the team motivated and on track." Zufall emphasized that having a team of experts is crucial. "I realized that I could spend my whole life in school and still not know everything those around me do. It's about leveraging everyone’s strengths to create something amazing!"