SPACE & SATELLITE SYSTEMS at UC Davis
Missions
REALOP I
Estimated Launch Date: Summer 2026
Mission: Investigate a low cost alternative to traditional reaction wheels
REALOP I is SSS's first cubesat with the mission of testing computer hard disk drives as a low cost alternative to reaction wheels. The goal is to break down some of the financial barriers that keep teams from experimentation via CubeSats. We have an official launch contract with NASA to put REALOP into low earth orbit. A majority of the satellite is completely designed in house to promote learning industry skills.
University Rover Challenge
Mission: Create a Mars Rover to compete in the 2027 University Rover Challenge (URC)
URC is SSS's newest initiative to expand robotics at UC Davis starting in Fall 2025. The goal is to create a Mars Rover complete with a suspension drive base, chassis, robotic arm, communication system, and scientific measurement tools by Winter 2027. URC will enable SSS to gain valuable industry skills in controls, autonomous movement, manufacturing, PCB design, firmware, and much more.
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Unmanned Aerial Systems
Mission: Create Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for URC and help train the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
UAS is a perpetual project to make and fly drones for two purposes. First is as a part of URC, an optional drone can be used to support the rover's goals. Second, to help train the UC Davis ROTC with simulated drone warfare to prepare troops for modern combat. UAS enables SSS to support our nation and be more competitive in the URC competition.
