Looking for Adventure? Join USU's Get Away Special Space Research Team
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience zero gravity? 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 Thursday, Sept. 8, at 5:30 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 Jenica Sparrow, 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 pizza while learning about projects planned for the coming academic year and beyond. GAS team leader Ryan Martineau, also a veteran NASA flyer, says the team plans to submit a proposal for NASA’s 2012 Microgravity University, in which the team has participated for the past two years, and is also designing a cube satellite. In addition, the team has ambitious plans to build its own rocket to carry experiments into space.
“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 website and Facebook page.
Related links:
- “USU Student Researchers Go Weightless,” Utah State Today
- “‘Let’s Build Our Own Ride’: Student says USU Can Be ‘First Orbital U,’” Utah State Today
- “End of an Era: Aggies Watch Final Shuttle Launch with Pride, Nostalgia,” Utah State Today
Contact: Ryan Martineau, (435) 279-5916, rjmartinator@gmail.com
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, (435) 797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
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 this past June. Photo courtesy of NASA.
The USU GAS Team welcomes new members and invites students of all majors to an opening social Thursday, Sept. 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Science Engineering Research building, room 244.
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