INCREASING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT THROUGH INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN LUNAR EXPLORATION

HyperDrive is a new initiative to grant student access to exciting lunar and planetary research in a supportive, creative team environment. Colorado Space Grant Consortium piloted this new summer research program for undergraduate students. Students were recruited from all areas of the state, with an emphasis on community college students from a variety of majors. The pilot program was a non-residential, half-time appointment, with a cohort of 12 students. The students were placed on one of two research teams working on the The Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone (GLEE), a student-led planetary mission that aims to demonstrate a new modality for science data collection using a large network of inexpensive sensing packages (LunaSats) to record physical measurements at multiple points on a planetary surface. After successfully engaging international students in 30 countries during the workshop phase, GLEE is preparing for the lunar phase of project development, aiming for a 2027 launch and lunar rover deployment.

The HyperDrive Science team worked on LunaSat sensor testing, including lab and field testing. HyperDrive Structures completed rapid prototyping of a deployment mechanism suitable for lunar rover attachment. Teams identified suitable south polar lunar deployment sites and designed the appropriate LunaSat network distribution pattern for optimal data collection. Students worked with the larger GLEE mission team, completed a formal design review, and worked with academic and industry mentors. This research project experience is designed to increase student STEM identity and self-efficacy through interdisciplinary, co-curricular engagement. Future program expansion will include multiple campuses and coordinated research projects to expand the regional accessibility of the project.