Space Applications Department (APP)
Access to space can provide practical and valuable
benefits to all humankind. The Space Applications
Department examines the various applications on Earth
that are offered by space technologies with a primary
focus on Earth-orbiting satellite systems, ground systems,
and end-user equipment hardware and software. Key
areas of focus include:
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Satellite communication systems and services
Remote sensing and Earth observation
Geographic information systems (GIS)
Satellite navigation systems
Aeronautical systems and services
The Department explores enabling space technologies
and their scientific benefits and societal applications.
Themes range from telecommunication fundamentals
to remote sensing image processing/interpretation,
global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and GIS data
management. Workshops and demonstrations provide
hands-on training with hardware and software for satellite
payload development, image processing (optical, radar),
global positioning systems (GPS), and data analysis.
Professional visits to local facilities provide further insight
into social and commercial space applications.
Participants will be able to:
• Engage in a variety of workshops, demonstrations,
and professional visits that explore enabling space
technologies and their applications.
• Develop proficiency in technological hardware and
software for image processing, telecommunications,
GIS, and GPS.
• Design and complete a research project emphasizing
the application of space technologies and present
results in oral and written formats.
• Participate in group activities in an interdisciplinary
and intercultural environment.
Department Chair
Dr. Su-Yin Tan
Canada / Papua New Guinea
Teaching Associate
Carolyn McCormick
Canada
Date
Department Activity (DA) Description
Activity Leader
Jun-29
DA1: Department Introduction / GIS and Mars Exploration Workshop
Department overview of requirements, evaluation and expected deliverables,
including the “ISU SpaceApps Challenge”. Followed by a hands-on computing
workshop using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for landing site selection for
the Mars Exploration Rovers. Local Ohio satellite imagery will also be explored.
Su-Yin Tan
Carolyn McCormick
Joe Pelton
Dan Glover
Jul-1
DA2: Delphi/Comsat Conceptual Design for Telecommunications Workshop
The Delphi Survey process will be used to project future trends in space
telecommunication services and space technology. Participants will work in groups Joe Pelton
to develop consensus projections or forecasts based on directed rounds of opinion
collection and feedback.
Jul-6
DA3: The Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center
The Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center is the only facility of its kind in
the United States. It specializes in the research, development, and evaluation of
electronic navigational, communication, and surveillance systems. Visit the Center’s
facilities, including the Antenna Anechoic Chamber that is used for antenna research,
development, and testing.
Jul-7
Jul-8
22
NASA Glenn Research Center - SSP15 Field Trip
NASA Glenn Research Center - SSP15 Field Trip
Mike DiBenedetto
Chris Bartone
Su-Yin Tan
Carolyn McCormick
Joe Pelton
Su-Yin Tan
Carolyn McCormick
Joe Pelton
Su-Yin Tan
Carolyn McCormick
Joe Pelton
Jul-9
DA4: Geocaching Intro and Remote Sensing Ground Truth Field Trip
Morning workshop to learn about recreational applications of GPS and satellite
navigation systems for “geocaching.” Visit Strouds Run State Park with a scenic Robert Holbrook
group hike to Vista Point, and discover hidden geocaches along the trail. We will Su-Yin Tan
also conduct a remote sensing ground truth exercise, which involves gathering field Carolyn McCormick
observations for verifying remote sensing satellite imagery of terrain, vegetation
cover, and water features.
Jul-9
DA5: GPS Geocaching Game
An afternoon activity where teams will compete in a high-tech treasure hunting game
Robert Holbrook
using GPS-enabled devices. Explore Strouds Run State Park and the foothills of the
Su-Yin Tan
Appalachian Mountains. Navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and identify
Carolyn McCormick
official geocaches that were placed for the Midwest Open Geocaching Adventure.
Geocaches will contain special prizes for “winning” teams.
Jul-13
DA6: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Applications
Professional visit to Woolpert Inc., a leading national geospatial firm specializing in
high-tech mapping and imagery services. Learn about UAV and drone technologies, Jeff Lovin
including their applications for mapping energy and transportation corridors, Su-Yin Tan
precision agriculture, forestry, industry, and disaster management and recovery. Carolyn McCormick
Woolpert Inc. is one of the first firms to receive FAA approval for flying unmanned
aerial systems commercially in designated airspace.
Jul-13
DA7: Aerial Imagery and Remote Sensing Applications
Afternoon activity about aerial imaging and navigation positioning of data for
processed digital imagery. Visit Midwest Aerial Photography’s private airport facility
and view remote sensing technologies, including imaging aircraft with the latest Ken Scruggs
digital cameras and coupled GPS/IMU devices, and an aircraft with a Leica ALS 60 Su-Yin Tan
LiDAR sensor installed. Overview of the complete “remote sensing workflow” from Carolyn McCormick
data acquisition, processing, and analysis to product delivery. Presentation about
military radar systems and communication equipment installed at the airport facility
for precise missile tracking.
Jul-15
DA8: Final Project Presentations
Oral presentations of final projects and submission of a digital conference-style Su-Yin Tan
poster as part of the departmental evaluation. ISU SpaceApps Challenge winners Carolyn McCormick
announced. Feedback will be provided by faculty, visiting lecturers, and fellow
participants.
Jul-15
DA9: Ohio University Airport and Aviation Technologies
The Gordon K. Bush Ohio University Airport and Academic Center is a Universityowned and managed airport to support aviation flight training. Tour the training
facilities, flight simulators, maintenance services, and training fleet, including Bryan Branham
Cessna, Beechcraft, and Piper aircraft. Learn about technologies used in the cockpit, Mike DiBenedetto
including navigation and communication tools, moving maps, and new iPad software
for instrument monitoring and flight planning. Optional activity to participate in an
actual training flight to view cockpit technologies in action (weather dependent).
Jul-17
DA10/11: National Radio Astronomy Observatory (Overnight trip)
Joint activity with the Space Sciences (SCI) Department. Overnight trip with departure
on Thursday, July 16 and return the following afternoon. Visit Seneca Rocks on the
way to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at Green Bank, West
Virginia. Learn about radio astronomy and view antenna and receiver equipment
used for detecting cosmic radio waves, including the world’s largest fully-steerable
radio telescope.
Eric Dahlstrom
Su-Yin Tan
Sherry McCarty,
Ramasamy
Venugopal,
Carolyn McCormick
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