Operations and Results from the 200 Gbps TBIRD Laser Communication Mission

Since launch in May 2022, the TeraByte Infrared Delivery (TBIRD) mission has successfully demonstrated 200 Gbps laser communications from a 6U CubeSat and has transferred up to 4.8 terabytes (TB) in a pass from low Earth orbit to ground. To our knowledge, this is the fastest downlink ever achieved from space. To support the narrow downlink beam required for high rate communications, the payload provides pointing feedback to the host spacecraft to precisely track the ground station throughout the 5-minute pass. The space and ground terminals utilize fiber-coupled coherent transceivers in conjunction with an automatic repeat request (ARQ) system to guarantee error-free communication through an atmospheric fading channel. This paper presents an overview of the link operations and mission results to date, as well as implications for future missions with high rate lasercom

Microfluidic Cell Lysis Device for Point of Care Diagnostics

BackgroundPoint-of-care (POC) diagnostics provide quick results for patients in remote areas with limited access to laboratory equipment. Concurrently in-vitro diagnostic device market is a valued at $24 billion dollar and its expected to be valued at over$70 billion by 2020 • These diagnostics require access to intracellular components, such as DNA, which can be accessed by bursting open the cell, a process called cell lysis. Microfluidic technology allows for an entire laboratory procedure to miniaturized onto a small, portable platform, allowing for a quicker diagnostics and results. Andrew Chavarin, Leovi Espitia, Saffi Khan, Marisa Lopez, Frederique Norpetlian, Abdullaah TarifAdvisor: Professor William C. TangMentor: Dr. Brad Sargent, Omnica Corporation, Irvine, CASchool of EngineeringDepartment of: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Material Science & Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,University of California-Irvine, C

UCI Satellite-II

The principal idea involves the utilization of existing solar radiation to degrade model pollutants (midodrine and humic acid) in aqueous solution.  The decomposition of said pollutants will be observed through a photochemical effect known as “fluorescence”, whereby substances emit light after absorbing electromagnetic radiation.  The experiment will be carried out on a Class 2U Cube Satellite; hence the designation of “UCISAT-2.”  In addition, UCISAT-2 will utilize an electric propulsion system couple with a flight control system to achieve full attitude control and thus orient the payload (the experiment) towards the sun.  The development of such a purification technology has direct economic and practical implications for the future of space exploration and missions.  To give some perspective, the current International Space Station (ISS) water purification systems encompasses the size of four fully grown men and weighs thousands of pounds.  Furthermore, between 2000 and 2005, approximately &60 million was spent on sending fresh water up to the ISS.  Therefore, it is clear that developing a solar-based purification system would affect tremendous savings in weight and cost, and ultimately advance the scope of space operations and future missions.    Advisors: Cooper, William [PhD], Gamero-Castano, Manuel [PhD], Rafique, Khalid [PhD], Villac, Benjamin [PhD]; UCI Dean's Choice Awar

UCI Satellite-II

The principal idea involves the utilization of existing solar radiation to degrade model pollutants (midodrine and humic acid) in aqueous solution.  The decomposition of said pollutants will be observed through a photochemical effect known as “fluorescence”, whereby substances emit light after absorbing electromagnetic radiation.  The experiment will be carried out on a Class 2U Cube Satellite; hence the designation of “UCISAT-2.”  In addition, UCISAT-2 will utilize an electric propulsion system couple with a flight control system to achieve full attitude control and thus orient the payload (the experiment) towards the sun.  The development of such a purification technology has direct economic and practical implications for the future of space exploration and missions.  To give some perspective, the current International Space Station (ISS) water purification systems encompasses the size of four fully grown men and weighs thousands of pounds.  Furthermore, between 2000 and 2005, approximately &60 million was spent on sending fresh water up to the ISS.  Therefore, it is clear that developing a solar-based purification system would affect tremendous savings in weight and cost, and ultimately advance the scope of space operations and future missions.    Advisors: Cooper, William [PhD], Gamero-Castano, Manuel [PhD], Rafique, Khalid [PhD], Villac, Benjamin [PhD]; UCI Dean's Choice Awar