NASA is preparing to launch a University of New Mexico student-built satellite. NASA will launch in August a 4-inch cube called Trailblazer. Officials say the satellite will gather radiation levels from space that will be analyzed by mechanical and electrical engineering students.
Craig Kief, deputy director of Configurable Space Microsystems Innovations & Applications Center, says around 25 students helped design and build the satellite over the last two years.
Kief says the satellite will be UNM's first foray outside of Earth, which, if successful, could help bring in more funding and federal grants for the university.
The satellite will orbit at about 280 miles above Earth.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.