Introduction
Idaho RISE (Research Involving Student Engineers and Educators) is the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium student high-altitude scientific balloon program for the state of Idaho. VAST (Vandal Atmospheric Science Team) is the University of Idaho’s chapter of the program. VAST is a multidisciplinary project targeted at students from all departments in the College of Engineering, as well as Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Education, and other departments. The goal of the Idaho VAST project is to develop the capability to design, build, test, fly, and recover high altitude science and engineering instrumentation. The project provides excellent experience for student participants in the areas of teamwork, documentation, communication, and various technical areas that students can utilize to meet their education and career goals. To date, VAST has flown over ten times, reaching altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet.
The following statements summarize the Vision, Mission, and Goals of Idaho Space Grant Consortium RISE program. VAST is the University of Idaho chapter of the Idaho RISE program and continuously strives to fulfill the RISE Vision, Mission, and Goals at the University of Idaho.
Idaho RISE Vision
To inspire the next generation of explorers to become involved with and pursue NASA and aerospace-related education and careers
Idaho RISE Mission
This program will aspire to:
- Introduce Idaho students to space design engineering and provide the opportunity to participate in aerospace-related design experiences, including the design, development, testing, and operation of space-flight hardware, especially systems that will operate in extreme environments
- Provide Idaho Students with experience in project management and working as a member of design teams
- Prepare students for and contribute to the development of an experienced and technologically capable aerospace workforce through the promotion of science, math, engineering education and necessary skill required for engineers and scientists to enter the 21st century workforce.
Idaho RISE Goals
- Offer a design-based program to promote the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to successfully design engineering hardware to operate in the extreme environments of the upper atmosphere and space;
- Offer the opportunity and resources for participants to design and build experimental spacecraft and/or systems for sub-orbital, Earth orbiting, and beyond-Earth application;
- Educate participants in the different fields necessary for successful flight operation of near-space and space missions, including (but not limited to): (1) System Design and Test, (2) Spacecraft Guidance, Control, and Navigation, (3) Communications and Telemetry, and (4) Tracking and Recovery;
- Encourage the involvement of K-16 students in the program, especially females and underrepresented individuals, in order to inspire more students to pursue aerospace education and careers.
