MOREHEAD, Ky. — Kentucky Space announced that its first orbital satellite, KySat-1, has been selected by NASA to fly on a mission projected for launch in mid-2009.

“The launch opportunity for KySat-1 is an incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Ben Malphrus, Morehead State University professor of space science and director of the Space Science Center. “Its success will give our program viability and excite the next generation of students coming to MSU to study space science.”

The selection of KySat-1 comes after a rigorous national review process by the NASA Launch Services Program of the Flight Projects Office at Kennedy Space Center. Satellites from the University of Colorado and Montana State University also were chosen for the mission.

“This highly innovative Kentucky effort is the epitome of the talent that lies within our state,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “The Commonwealth has been, and will continue to be, aggressive in its pursuit of technological and knowledge-driven economic opportunities.”

KySat-1, the first satellite ever built in Kentucky, is a cube shaped pico-class satellite powered by solar energy, weighs 1 kg and measures 10cm on a side. Once KySat’s on-board computers confirm its release into orbit, Kentucky Space ground controllers in Kentucky will operate the satellite for the duration of its expected 18-24 month mission. After proper operation is confirmed, KySat-1 will be made available to K-12 students throughout Kentucky, and the world, to allow them to issue select commands to the satellite and download the data received.

Kentucky has invested approximately $850,000 over the last three years on this research and development of this project.

KySat is a joint enterprise involving public organizations, colleges, universities and private companies in a student-led initiative for the design, launch and on-orbit operation of small satellites to promote science, technology, engineering, innovation and education.

In addition to MSU, its members are: the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium, Belcan, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (managing partner), and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

The KySat team includes students, faculty, and staff from the six participating university systems. MSU team members are: Dr. Malphrus, Jeff Kruth, space science antenna engineer; Michael Combs, telescope operations engineer; and students Jason Smathers of Mt. Sterling; Jessamyn Delgado of Bardwell; Jennifer Carter of Olive Hill; Marc Beck of Owensboro and Badsoden, Germany; and Prabhakara Rao Eluru of Visakhapatnam, India.

A historic first for the program and for Kentucky, this is the first time NASA will launch university built satellites into orbit.

The recommendations made by the launch panel and the NASA Flight Projects Office are being forwarded to NASA Headquarters for final approval and designation of the primary NASA mission. This announcement is expected as soon as December. The KYSat-1 team has been asked to be prepared for a June 2009 launch.

Additional information may be obtained by calling Dr. Malphrus at (606) 783-2212 or visit www.kentuckyspace.com .

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