BinarX – Binar in High Schools
In space
BinarX is a two-year program that will see students design and prototype science payloads for the Binar cubesat in 2022, and then build those projects for launch in 2023. Student payloads from three pilot schools will be part of Launch 3.
Payload concepts will be directed by students and teachers, but might include sensors to study earth and space environment, samples for testing in microgravity, or samples for testing in a vacuum. They may also include a software-only payload running on Binar’s flight computer.
On Earth
Students will access their results using amateur band radio, either at Curtin or through other ground stations participating in the open source SatNOGS network.
As part of the program, students and teachers will also construct and operate their own SatNOGS ground station to gain a better understanding of radio communications and contribute back to the SatNOGS community.
As the program progresses, BinarX will guide teachers and students through obtaining radio licenses and installing amateur radio equipment in their schools. This will allow them to communicate with their satellite payload directly, and connect with the rest of the global amateur satellite community.
In the community
We’re still building BinarX with our three pilot schools – John Curtin College of the Arts, Joseph Banks Secondary College, and Atwell College – but we’ll be making all our work public for other schools and students to follow along. Progress updates, teaching resources, and full instructions on building a payload for the Binar platform will be available on the BinarX YouTube page.
If you’re a WA high school student or teacher, drop us your contact details below and we’ll let you know as soon as we open our next intake!
