Phoenix Satellite Initiative
Funded by NASA to study the urban heat island effect
What is the Phoenix Satellite Initiative?
The Phoenix Satellite Initiative is a team of more than 35 undergraduate students at Arizona State University who have come together to design, build, a launch a CubeSat satellite into space.
How is NASA involved?
In 2016, NASA selected proposals for student flight research opportunities for its Undergraduate Student Instrument Project (USIP). The ASU Phoenix Satellite Initiative was one of 47 undergraduate teams awarded funding to conduct flight research. NASA provided the ASU team with a $200,000 grant to complete their mission, which is the largest amount of funding awarded to USIPs.
What is a CubeSat?
A CubeSat is a miniature satellite, typically measuring 1U (10X10X10 cm). The Phoenix CubeSat is about the size of a loaf of bread. To learn more about CubeSats, click here.
What is the Phoenix CubeSat's purpose?
The Phoenix CubeSat was created by the Phoenix Satellite Initiative to measure the urban heat island effect in seven cities, including Phoenix. Using a Long-Wave Infrared thermal camera, the Phoenix CubeSat will take high resolution images of heat signatures of freeways and buildings. The thermal images will be communicated to the Ground Station at ASU, allowing the team to analyze their findings. Visit the Mission page to learn more about Phoenix's journey into space. Below is an example of what the thermal images will look like.
When will Phoenix be launched?
Phoenix is expected to launch during the summer of 2018.
What is an urban heat island?
An urban heat island (UHI) describes an urban area that is warmer than its surrounding rural areas. The heat island effect occurs when land and vegetation is replaced with buildings, roads and other manmade materials in urban cities.
How can urban heat islands affect me?
Urban heat islands have significant effects upon the environment and quality of life. Increased temperatures lead to increased demand for cooling, which in turn leads to significant energy consumption. The demand for electrical energy causes fossil fuel power plants to release more air pollutants and greenhouse gases, which are harmful to human health. Areas that are classified as urban heat islands are also prone to excessive heat waves and dramatic temperature increases. Excessive heat is a danger to everyone, particularly children, the elderly and people with health conditions. Additionally, water quality is negatively impacted when high surface temperatures heat stormwater runoff that eventually travels to natural bodies of water and can be stressful or fatal to aquatic life.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the effects of UHIs?
There are several things that you can do to reduce the effects of heat islands:
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Install shade around your home by planting trees and vegetation
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Install green roofs or cool (reflective) roofs
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Use energy-efficient appliances
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Check on your friends, family and neighbors during heat waves
To learn more about what you can do and what is currently being done to decrease the effects of UHIs, click here.
What if I have more questions?
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