Small Satellite Conference Invades Cache Valley

The debate is on as to whether small satellites will replace large satellites or complement existing technology as the 17th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites is hosted by Utah State University Aug. 9-12 in Logan, Utah.

"At this conference we hope to find out what direction the small satellite industry is headed so we can focus and develop technology for those areas," Pat Patterson, chairman of the conference said.

The conference's keynote speaker will be Tony Tether, Ph.D., director of DARPA (Defense Advance Research Projects Agency). DARPA is the principal Agency within the Department of Defense (DoD) for research, development and demonstration of concepts, devices and systems that provide highly advanced military capabilities.

"Dr. Tether will have insight into the direction of small satellite research," Patterson said. "He understands the future of space research better than anyone in the country."

A panel will discuss in-depth the conference theme, Small Satellites: Complementary or Disruptive Technology. Panel members include Perry Ballard, chief engineer of the DOD Payloads Office; John Roth, president of Microsat Systems, Inc.; Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technology; and Pete Rustan, director of advance systems and technology for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Another highlighted event is the Frank J. Redd Student Scholarship Competition. Each year undergraduate and graduate engineering students submit technical papers to compete for an estimated $30,000 in scholarship funds donated by individuals and participating aerospace firms. One of the finalists selected is from Utah State. He will be up against one national competitor and four finalists from international universities. Scholarship winners will be announced at an awards banquet on Wednesday.

"The scholarship competition is one of the most prestigious in the country," Patterson said. "Each year students submit papers and give presentations to a panel of judges to compete for large scholarships."

Local hotels and restaurants will be filled as more than 750 attendees and exhibitors come to Cache Valley for the week-long conference. Exhibiting companies include government agencies, universities and aerospace corporations.

"The conference is a favorite annual event for many of the participants," Jaimie Kandler, conference administrator said. "The setting and surroundings provide conference attendees with unique opportunities to participate in a technical conference and enjoy local recreational activities."

Members of the media will be provided with complimentary registration to the conference. Official media photo identification is required at the registration desk. For more information and to arrange for a media pass please contact Trina Paskett at (435) 797-4678 or (435) 881-2823.