Team Hopes to Launch Payload Into Space

The engineering program is contributing to the effort of space exploration with their new “Dream Up” payload.

The engineering program has been assigned the task to send a payload up to space in order to help with further efforts. Senior Christian Dynes, as a part of the project, has insight to offer on it all.

“We are going to be sending some batteries, an LED and we’re going to be measuring the voltage and current throughout the trip,” Dynes said.

Many calculations and tests go into a project like this, so extra precaution is taken when crafting the components.

“We have a pre-ordered box that is going inside their cargo,” Dynes said. “We have 3D prints that are going to secure everything ONan electrical board that’s going to be mounted.”

This is all possible through a private company known as Blue Origin who will take their payload and potentially use the findings for further studies.

“The company will send a document for listing all materials, weights, center of gravity and other components necessary,” Dynes said. “They will then come take our payload to put it on a rocket and send it off.”

The team consists of Dynes, seniors Emily Wirth, Lauren White and Becca Seemann and juniors Casper Casey and Hunter Goffinett. This team, along with teachers Kaitlin Longino and Renee Quaife, put in time and money in this project. This school and others around the country all make projects for space exploration.

“Our payload only cost around $200,” Dynes said. “Other schools have been known to spend $500 to $600 on these projects.”

Throughout the entire process, students working on it are actually unaware of where it is being launched and when.

“We are not allowed to know the launch date likely for safety and security purposes.”Dynes said. “We will probably know more later down the road once it is in space.”