Portland State Aerospace Society (PSAS) is honestly one of the most innovative student-led aerospace groups in the U.S. The team blends academic excellence with hands-on space tech projects, focusing on open-source rockets and satellites.
PSAS has this clear dual mission that really shapes everything they do. First, they want students to get real systems engineering experience by working on complex aerospace projects.
Students dive right into rocket systems, satellite hardware, and ground station ops. That hands-on work gives them learning chances you just can’t get from lectures alone.
Their second big mission? They develop open-source aerospace designs. PSAS puts out public blueprints for rockets, engines, satellites, and ground stations—so anyone can use or tweak them.
Core organizational values:
Their vision? Launch a 1-kilogram nanosatellite into orbit, all on their own. That goal keeps everyone reaching for new ideas, even with university limits in play.
PSAS pulls in students from all sorts of academic backgrounds to build real aerospace solutions. You’ll find mechanical and electrical engineers, computer scientists, math folks, physics majors, and even business students working together.
This mix sparks natural teamwork. Engineering students handle hardware, computer science folks write flight software, and business majors keep projects on track and handle industry relationships.
They work a lot like the real aerospace industry. Students get used to talking across specialties and seeing how different systems fit together.
Key collaborative areas:
Industry advisors from Portland step in to help. These mentors offer technical advice and show students what commercial aerospace expects.
PSAS has pulled off some impressive aerospace projects. The OreSat project stands out as their biggest satellite success so far.
OreSat0 is a fully open-source CubeSat that students built from scratch. This little satellite—about the size of a tissue box—runs on solar panels, packs in batteries, color cameras, and amateur radio gear that rivals bigger satellites.
Their rocket program has produced advanced launch vehicles with custom avionics. Students design and build flight computers and telemetry systems themselves.
Notable technical accomplishments:
PSAS partners with Oregon’s expanding space tech industry. These connections help students land aerospace jobs and push innovation in the region.
They publish every design and research finding for the public. This dedication to open-source work has inspired other university aerospace teams across the country.
OreSat0 put Oregon on the map in space tech thanks to the Portland State Aerospace Society’s CubeSat program. NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative gave them a ride to orbit, letting students collect real research data from low Earth orbit.
OreSat0 became Oregon’s first satellite when it launched through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. PSAS students designed and built this 1U CubeSat, which is basically a 10 cm cube.
The satellite deployed into low Earth orbit from the International Space Station. That’s a pretty affordable way for schools to get hardware into space.
OreSat0 serves as a tech demo. The mission tests open-source satellite systems that anyone can copy. PSAS made sure all the parts stick to open-source principles.
The CubeSat sends data back to ground stations in Portland. Students track the satellite’s health and collect telemetry for analysis. This gives them real-time experience with satellite communications.
OreSat0 gathers telemetry that pushes small satellite tech forward. The mission shows how universities can run space research on tight budgets.
Student teams sift through the satellite’s data. They use what they learn to improve future CubeSat designs and operations. The mission supports research into how long small satellites last and how reliable they are.
The satellite tests different electronic components in orbit. These tests help students see how parts hold up in space.
PSAS shares all their mission data on open-source platforms. Other universities and space organizations can use this info for their own CubeSat projects. This kind of sharing really speeds up innovation in small satellite tech.
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative picked OreSat0 for a free ride to space. That program gives schools access to space that would otherwise cost a fortune.
The PSAS team worked directly with NASA engineers during development. They went through technical reviews and safety checks together.
NASA handled the launch integration for OreSat0. The agency managed the satellite’s deployment from the International Space Station using standard CubeSat deployers.
This partnership shows just how much NASA supports educational space missions. PSAS still works with NASA on upcoming OreSat missions, like OreSat1 and OreSat0.5.
Portland State University students keep pushing aerospace limits with hands-on projects that actually matter. The Portland State Aerospace Society leads the charge on rockets and satellites, plus they support live experiments on the International Space Station.
The Portland State Aerospace Society (PSAS) turns students into aerospace engineers through real projects. Mechanical engineers, physics majors, business students, and more all work together on rockets, satellites, and ground stations.
PSAS is all about open source aerospace development. Every design, codebase, and CAD drawing is public, so others can use and improve them. That open approach really drives innovation in the wider aerospace community.
The society built Oregon’s first satellite through their OreSat program. Students designed a modular CubeSat system that anyone can copy thanks to their thorough documentation.
PSAS also works on liquid-fuel rocket engines and launch vehicles. Their current project, Launch Vehicle LV3.1, is the result of years of student effort. The team wants to reach the edge of space with a rocket they built themselves.
The NASA-PSU Telescience Support Lab connects students with astronauts doing research in space. PSU researchers and students give real-time support for experiments on the International Space Station.
The lab has several computer stations and big screens showing live video from space experiments. Students watch constantly changing views as the station orbits Earth every 90 minutes.
This setup gives students a direct look at active space research. They learn mission control routines while helping with real science in microgravity environments.
Partnering with NASA opens doors for students interested in aerospace careers. Graduates leave with space operations experience that’s in high demand.
PSU students get to design experiments that ride SpaceX cargo flights to the International Space Station. Graduate student Kyle Viestenz and engineering professor Mark Weislogel worked together on two experiments launched in 2017.
These experiments explore how fluids behave in microgravity. Knowing how liquids move in zero gravity helps improve spacecraft fuel and life support systems.
Students talk directly with astronauts running the experiments. This hands-on collaboration teaches them how space research is different from lab work on Earth.
The program shows that university students can really contribute to space research. PSU grads finish school with experience supporting real missions and working with NASA.
Portland’s space tech scene depends on a bunch of engineering disciplines working together to build spacecraft, satellites, and launch systems. The city brings together mechanical know-how, advanced computing, and physics research to power new space companies.
Mechanical engineers really drive Portland’s space tech. They design and build the hardware that lets spacecraft survive the harsh realities of space.
Structural Design is a big deal. Engineers have to create frames that can handle launch forces but stay light. Portland companies use materials like carbon fiber composites and titanium alloys for this.
Propulsion Systems need specialized mechanical skills. Engineers design engines, fuel systems, and thrusters. PSAS even builds open-source rocket engines to show how it’s done.
Thermal Management is tricky in space. Mechanical engineers make heat shields, cooling systems, and insulation. Spacecraft get hit with wild temperature swings from -250°F to 250°F.
Manufacturing Processes have to meet strict standards. Portland engineers use CNC machining, 3D printing, and precise welding. They run quality control checks to make sure every part is safe.
Computer engineers handle the electronics that keep modern spacecraft running. These systems need to work under radiation and manage complex flight operations.
Flight Control Systems keep spacecraft pointed in the right direction. Engineers design circuits to process sensor data and control thrusters. These systems must react in milliseconds during critical moments.
Communication Hardware keeps spacecraft in touch with ground stations. Portland engineers develop radios, antennas, and signal processing gear. The University Class Open Ground Station project highlights this work.
Power Management is key. Engineers design battery systems, solar panel controllers, and power networks. Spacecraft need steady power for months or even years.
Radiation Hardening protects electronics from space radiation. Computer engineers pick components and design shielding. Without this, most electronics would fail fast in space.
Software engineers write the code that runs spacecraft and handles mission data. Portland’s tech community brings real expertise in real-time systems and data crunching.
Flight Software runs everything on the spacecraft. Programmers write code for navigation, comms, and payloads. The software has to work flawlessly for long stretches.
Ground Control Systems let teams manage missions from Earth. Software engineers build interfaces for monitoring and control. Operators use these to run multiple satellites at once.
Data Processing handles the science coming from space missions. Portland engineers develop algorithms for images and sensor data. PSAS publishes open-source data tools for others to use.
Autonomous Systems let spacecraft make decisions on their own. Software engineers program these systems, which are crucial for deep space missions.
Physics guides every part of spacecraft design and operation. Portland’s physics community researches ways to boost space tech performance.
Orbital Mechanics sets spacecraft paths and plans missions. Physicists figure out launch windows, orbital changes, and gravity assists. They have to factor in lots of gravitational pulls.
Plasma Physics comes into play for advanced propulsion systems. Researchers work on ion drives and plasma thrusters for long missions. These systems use electromagnetic fields to push charged particles.
Materials Science creates new stuff for space. Physics research leads to stronger, lighter materials that can handle radiation. Aerogel insulation and metamaterials are starting to show up.
Sensor Physics makes scientific measurements possible. Physicists design tools to detect radiation, particles, and gravitational waves. Portland’s research groups help build space telescopes, too.
The Portland State Aerospace Society has really shaken up amateur rocketry. They’ve pulled this off by building innovative liquid-fuel engines, advanced electronic recovery systems, and launch vehicles that can actually reach 30,000 feet.
They take an open-source approach, blending solid mechanical engineering with some pretty impressive avionics.
PSAS has pushed liquid-fuel engine technology into territory that used to be reserved for professionals. Their Launch Vehicle 4 (LV4) is their first rocket powered by a liquid-fuel engine, which feels like a real milestone.
This step goes way beyond the classic solid-fuel rockets you usually see from amateurs. Liquid-fuel systems give you more control over thrust and just better overall performance.
They stick to open-source design principles. Every spec and test result gets published so other groups can learn from or improve on their work.
Key technical features include:
The team tests each engine component thoroughly before putting it into a rocket. They want to make sure everything works together before launch.
Modern amateur rockets need solid electronic systems for safe recovery. PSAS has led the charge in this area too.
Their rockets rely on embedded computer systems to manage flight operations. These onboard computers track altitude, velocity, and orientation all the way up and down.
Recovery system components include:
The electronics talk to ground stations using WiFi links. Launch controllers keep an eye on rocket status and can trigger emergency actions if something goes sideways.
They’ve tested their DxWiFi tech up to 125 kilometers away. That’s a lot of coverage, even at max altitude.
At the launch site, small embedded computers handle ignition and keep communications running for the whole mission.
PSAS kicked off their rocketry program in 1998 with small test rockets. Over time, they’ve built more advanced launch systems that really show what’s possible for amateurs.
Launch Vehicle 3 (LV3) is their current workhorse. It can hit 30,000 feet in the Oregon desert and serves as a testbed for new tech.
The Launch Vehicle 3.1 (LV3.1) added roll control with cold gas jet thrusters. These thrusters help keep the rocket stable during both ascent and descent.
LV4 aims to be their first rocket to cross the 100-kilometer space boundary. If they pull it off, PSAS will join a tiny group of amateur teams to reach true space.
After every flight, the team digs into the data to find ways to improve their engineering and reliability.
PSAS rockets double as platforms for satellite tech. Their OreSat project put Oregon’s first satellite into space using their own launch systems.
Portland’s space tech scene has made satellite development much more accessible. Thanks to CubeSat platforms and shared ground station networks, universities and even startups can get affordable space access.
The Portland State Aerospace Society (PSAS) has brought real change to nanosatellite development with their open source OreSat platform. This modular CubeSat system makes it possible for almost anyone to build a working satellite using public designs.
PSAS shares all CAD drawings, software, and documentation under open source licenses. Universities can grab full satellite blueprints without worrying about expensive fees.
OreSat uses commercial off-the-shelf parts, often toughened for space using hardware store materials. That keeps costs way down compared to traditional aerospace methods.
Some key features: radiation-resistant computers, standardized communication, and modular payload bays. These tissue-box-sized satellites can carry a mix of scientific or commercial gear.
Students in computer engineering and physics work together on flight software, orbits, and sensor setups. It’s a hands-on, cross-disciplinary experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
PSAS proved their open source model with OreSat0, Oregon’s first satellite. Now, universities across Oregon are getting involved in the program.
The University Class Open Ground Station (UniClOGS) project brings Portland’s open-source mindset to satellite communications infrastructure. This network lets people track and collect data from satellites all over the world.
UniClOGS stations use amateur radio frequencies to talk with CubeSats. The design costs thousands, not millions, which is a game-changer for satellite comms.
Universities can set up their own ground stations with open source hardware and software. Each station adds to global tracking, while also serving local research.
Distributed networks mean satellites have backup communication paths. Multiple stations can track a single satellite as it orbits, keeping data flowing reliably.
Tech specs: automated antenna tracking, software-defined radios, and cloud-based data processing. Once running, these stations mostly take care of themselves.
Portland’s ground station innovation supports international research. Universities around the world can share satellite data using common protocols.
Portland space tech companies work closely with local businesses and schools. Organizations like PSAS team up with regional firms and promote STEM education through hands-on outreach programs.
Portland’s space sector gets a big boost from partnerships with Silicon Forest companies and local manufacturers. PSAS works with electronics firms nearby to source rocket and satellite parts, which helps keep costs down and innovation local.
Machine shops and fabricators in the area make custom parts for space projects. This tight collaboration speeds up development and builds technical skills across Portland’s manufacturing scene.
Business partnerships include:
Local businesses gain access to new aerospace tech through these partnerships. The collaborations bring jobs and fresh knowledge to traditional manufacturers, creating a kind of cross-pollination that benefits everyone.
Space organizations in Portland put a lot of effort into science and engineering education. PSAS invites students from all backgrounds to get involved with real rocket and satellite projects.
We in Space hosts career events connecting students to aerospace professionals. Their virtual events reach hundreds of middle and high schoolers, showing off the many paths into the space industry.
Key outreach activities:
Portland State’s space programs offer public meteorite identification services. This community engagement sparks local interest in space science. Students get to classify real meteorites and contribute to research.
The Telescience Support Lab lets students talk directly with astronauts on the International Space Station. That kind of direct contact can really inspire future aerospace professionals.
Portland’s space tech community works hard to promote diversity. The Portland State Aerospace Society leads with programs that give underrepresented groups a real shot at aerospace careers.
PSAS stands out for its We in Space initiative, which aims to boost representation of women and minorities in aerospace. This program doesn’t just talk about inclusion—it creates actual pathways for people to get involved.
They host events connecting diverse students with aerospace professionals. Speakers from major space companies share their stories and offer mentorship.
PSAS also organizes fundraisers to help students cover the costs of working on aerospace projects. This financial support opens doors that might otherwise stay closed.
The program gives students hands-on experience with rockets, satellites, and propulsion—no matter their background or previous experience.
PSAS extends diversity efforts beyond campus by teaming up with K-12 schools and community organizations. They visit schools to show off space tech and inspire young students to consider aerospace.
The group partners with Portland Women in Tech, a 10,000-member community focused on tech inclusion. This collaboration connects general tech diversity efforts with aerospace.
Business partnerships help amplify the community impact of diversity initiatives. PSAS works with local companies like Crowd Supply to promote STEM and open up industry pathways for diverse talent.
Their open-source approach makes aerospace tech more accessible. All designs, software, and hardware specs are up on GitHub for anyone to use.
Community members can get involved in actual space missions. The successful launch of OreSat0, Oregon’s first satellite, shows how broad engagement can lead to real achievements.
PSAS’s diversity efforts have real results. More than 45 former members now work at major aerospace companies like SpaceX and NASA, which says a lot about the program’s approach.
These alumni come from all sorts of backgrounds and continue to champion inclusion at their new jobs. They inspire current students and help bring in the next wave of diverse aerospace professionals.
Companies look for graduates with experience in diverse, collaborative teams. The career success of PSAS alumni proves that diversity isn’t just a social goal—it actually drives innovation.
Alumni stay connected, coming back as speakers and mentors. This keeps the cycle going, with each generation helping the next.
Their success spreads Portland’s influence across the national aerospace sector and carries diversity values to companies all over the country.
Portland has built a surprisingly strong network of aerospace companies and regular networking events. The city’s collaborative vibe brings together established businesses and startups through all sorts of community-driven initiatives.
Portland State Aerospace Society leads the region’s space technology scene as an open-source engineering group. Students from all kinds of majors work on rockets, satellites, and ground stations using a team-based approach.
They designed and launched Oregon’s first satellite through OreSat. They also run the University Class Open Ground Station, which lets them communicate with satellites in orbit.
Industry Collaborations reach across Oregon. Oregon State University partners with Portland companies through the Oregon Space Grant Consortium. Oregon Tech Rocketry and Aerospace brings specialized engineering to the table.
Business Applications focus on practical solutions—launch vehicles, satellite systems, and ground-based comms equipment. Many groups share their designs as open source for anyone to use.
Local high schools join in aerospace programs, creating a pipeline for new talent. This educational network supports both established companies and new players in Portland’s space tech market.
Portland Tech Community throws regular meetups that pull together aerospace professionals and folks from the wider tech world. Volunteers run these events, diving into all sorts of topics and giving people a chance to support each other’s projects.
Launch Events offer a hands-on way for industry pros to learn new things. Portland State Aerospace Society puts on rocket launches out in Bend, Oregon, where you can check out some pretty cool tech demos up close.
Email Networks help aerospace professionals stay in touch across different institutions. University partnerships make it easier for students, industry advisors, and business leaders to swap ideas and work together on space tech projects.
Innovation Hubs pop up when different organizations meet and collaborate. The space tech community keeps close ties with Portland’s broader tech scene, so sharing resources and expertise across industries just sort of happens naturally.
You don’t have to be an expert to show up at regular calendar events. These gatherings make it easier for people to switch between aerospace roles and build relationships that help with business growth and technical progress.
Portland’s space tech sector keeps growing, mostly thanks to innovative startups and emerging technologies that are making the city a real contender in the commercial space industry. The region leans into sustainable innovation and partnerships, which fuels business development and opens doors for new tech.
Portland is home to several promising space tech startups that spun off from bigger aerospace companies and research institutions. These ventures focus on things like satellite parts, space manufacturing, and launch support systems.
Astra Space stands out as one of Portland’s most notable space startups. They’re building small-payload rockets for frequent launches and aiming at the booming small satellite market.
Local incubators pitch in with funding and mentorship to help space tech entrepreneurs get off the ground. The Portland Development Commission offers resources for space-focused businesses looking to set up shop in the area.
Spin-off companies from established aerospace firms take proven tech and bring it to new markets. Often, they adapt space-grade materials and systems for use down here on Earth.
Portland’s startup scene really benefits from Oregon’s business-friendly climate and all the skilled grads coming out of local universities. That mix sets the stage for plenty of space tech innovation.
Portland companies are busy working on cutting-edge space technologies that could change the game. Additive manufacturing lets local firms create complex aerospace parts using 3D printing.
Advanced materials research here zeroes in on lightweight composites and thermal protection systems. These breakthroughs help lower launch costs and make spacecraft safer and more efficient.
Propulsion system development draws a lot of investment around Portland. Companies are trying out electric propulsion and green fuel alternatives that could shake up satellite operations.
Small satellite tech is still a big focus for Portland’s space sector. Local companies are building miniaturized components so spacecraft can do more for less money.
Ground systems technology keeps advancing too, thanks to Portland-based teams. These systems handle satellite communications and process data for commercial space missions.
Innovation really pushes Portland’s space tech scene forward through collaborative R&D. Universities team up with private companies to move space tech ahead and train the next generation of workers.
The local culture of sustainable innovation fits well with the space industry’s need for efficient, eco-friendly solutions. Companies looking to shrink their environmental footprint seem drawn here.
Cross-sector collaboration brings together experts from aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. These partnerships help speed up tech development and open up new business options.
Portland’s innovation ecosystem backs both established companies and startups by sharing resources and knowledge. This kind of environment encourages people to take risks and get creative.
Local organizations help with technology transfer between research institutions and businesses. These connections turn academic research into real-world space applications that push business growth.
Portland gives people a bunch of ways into space technology jobs, with established university programs and hands-on student groups. Students can pick up degrees in engineering or physics and get some real-world experience through rocket building and satellite projects.
Portland State University leads the way in space tech education with its mechanical engineering and physics programs. You can pick up a Space and Planetary Science minor to go along with your engineering degree, which is pretty neat. Mechanical and computer engineering students can specialize in aerospace by choosing the right classes and research projects.
The NASA-PSU Telescience Support Lab lets students work directly with International Space Station experiments. Students get to interact with astronauts in real time and run research on things like fluid mechanics and plant growth in space. It’s a rare chance for mechanical engineering students to work hands-on with tech that’s actually headed off-planet.
Portland State’s physics department pays special attention to space instrumentation. Professors develop microscopes and other scientific gear for space missions, and students help build devices that astronauts use on the ISS.
Oregon State University and the University of Oregon offer more options through the Oregon Space Grant Consortium. These programs link students from different fields to NASA resources and space industry opportunities.
The Portland State Aerospace Society (PSAS) is the top student space group in the region. PSAS brings together students from all sorts of majors—mechanical engineering, computer engineering, physics, you name it—to build rockets and satellites. They really mean it when they say they’re “militantly interdisciplinary.”
PSAS students built OreSat, Oregon’s first satellite. They regularly launch advanced rockets in central Oregon and even plan missions that reach the edge of space. Students get hands-on experience with liquid fuel engines, avionics, and spacecraft design.
We in Space works to boost diversity in aerospace careers. They host guest speakers, career events, and outreach programs. Members get to connect with industry leaders like Alice Bowman, who managed NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto.
High school students can jump in on PSAS activities and use resources through local school partnerships. The group also welcomes community college students and industry pros, so networking goes way beyond just college kids.
Portland’s aerospace ecosystem ties together educational programs and commercial space tech through partnerships between universities, established companies, and startups. The city’s space tech sector opens up all sorts of career paths and encourages collaboration between schools and industry leaders.
Portland State University runs undergrad and grad programs in mechanical engineering with aerospace concentrations. Students can dive into propulsion systems, materials science, and spacecraft design with specialized courses.
The mechanical engineering department teaches fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, which directly apply to aerospace. Grad students can do research in areas like composite materials and control systems.
PSU teams up with local aerospace companies to offer internships. These industry links give students practical experience on real space tech projects.
Portland aerospace companies build critical components for commercial spacecraft and satellites. Local manufacturers make precision parts for propulsion and guidance systems used in space missions.
Several Portland firms focus on composite materials for building spacecraft. These lightweight, sturdy materials help cut launch costs and boost performance.
The city’s aerospace sector pays special attention to small satellite tech and CubeSat development. These tiny satellites make space research and commercial projects more affordable.
Nike’s aerospace division operates in Portland, working on advanced materials for space missions. They use their materials know-how to create lightweight parts for spacecraft.
Precision Castparts Corp has facilities in the area, producing key aerospace components. The company makes parts for commercial aviation and space exploration vehicles.
A handful of smaller aerospace firms also set up shop in Portland’s industrial districts. They focus on specialized manufacturing and engineering services for the space sector.
The Portland State Aerospace Society designs and launches student-built rockets for national competitions. These projects show off advanced engineering skills and help spotlight local talent for the industry.
PSAS works with aerospace companies on technical challenges and prototype development. Students and professionals team up to solve real-world problems in rocket design and manufacturing.
The group also hosts technical conferences and workshops, bringing together students, professionals, and researchers. These events help people share knowledge and network within Portland’s aerospace scene.
Portland aerospace companies hire engineers for propulsion, avionics, and systems integration roles. Entry-level spots usually ask for a mechanical or electrical engineering degree plus some hands-on project experience.
Manufacturing jobs include precision machining, composite fabrication, and quality control for aerospace parts. These roles need technical training and a sharp eye for detail—safety is a big deal.
Project management and business development jobs help Portland’s space tech companies grow. These positions blend technical smarts with business sense to keep the industry moving forward.
Portland State University teams up with local aerospace companies on research projects, with funding coming from NASA and the Department of Defense. These partnerships push technology forward and give students a real taste of what it’s like to work in the field.
They dive into projects like improving propulsion efficiency, testing new materials, and figuring out better ways for satellites to communicate. Academic researchers and industry engineers roll up their sleeves together, wrestling with tough technical problems.
Internship programs put students right in the mix with aerospace employers around Portland. A lot of the time, these internships turn into full-time gigs, which is honestly a win-win for both the students and the companies looking to spot promising talent early on.
