Looking for Adventure? Join USU's Get Away Special Space Research Team
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012
USU Get Away Special Team members, from left, Landon Hillyard, Jenica Sparrow and Ryan Martineau float in zero gravity aboard a NASA microgravity jet during the agency's Microgravity University in 2011. Photo courtesy of NASA.
The USU GAS Team welcomes new members and invites students of all majors to an opening social Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m. in Science Engineering Research building, room 244.
Are you fascinated with space research? Are you a creative person who enjoys thinking outside the box and working with a team?
All Utah State University students are invited to attend the opening social of USU’s Get Away Special “GAS” Team Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m. The gathering will be held in the Department of Physics Conference Room in the Science Engineering Research (SER) building, Room 244.
USU’s GAS Team, which takes its name from a former NASA program that enabled groups outside the agency to fly experiments of their own design on space shuttles, is largely responsible for one of Utah State’s most well known achievements: USU has sent more student-built experiments into space than any university in the world.
“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to join our team — though geeks are welcome, too,” says GAS team member Ryan Martineau, a veteran flyer of NASA’s ‘vomit comet’ microgravity jet. “We need people with all kinds of skills and talents – graphic design, liberal arts, business, education, marketing — you name it.”
At the gathering, attendees will enjoy refreshments while learning about projects planned for the coming academic year and beyond. Among the team’s current projects are plans for the design and launch of a cubesat (cube satellite).
“We welcome new members,” Martineau says. “Being a part of the GAS team is not only a great way to learn about space, but it teaches teamwork, problem-solving, time management and other skills that benefit you no matter what type of degree program you’re pursuing. It’s also a lot of fun.”
For more information, visit the USU GAS Team’s Facebook page.
Related links:
- “Third Year in a Row, Aggies Fly Successful Experiment in Microgravity,” Utah State Today
- USU Department of Physics
- USU College of Science
Contact: Ryan Martineau, 435-279-5916, rjmartinator@gmail.com
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
