Get to know Illinois Space Society

Illinois Space Society (ISS) is an RSO that aims to connect space enthusiasts at Illinois with other students and industry professionals. Not only does ISS have five ongoing technical projects, but its leaders provide professional development and organize community outreach programs to excite young students about space.

Although half of the club’s approximately 200 members are part of the Aerospace Engineering Department, all ISS projects are interdisciplinary, requiring contributions from many departments. For example, many MechSE students contribute to the NASA Micro-g NExT challenge, in which participants design a tool for astronauts to use in space. The tools that they design are tested by real astronauts at the Johnson Space Center each summer. The team has been chosen as a finalist for the last eight years, and this year, they are developing the Zip Tie EVA Utility System (ZEUS), a zip tie installation device for the International Space Station.

Emil Jermann, a first-year in mechanical engineering, is the design lead for the Micro-g project. Through this position, Jermann gained valuable CAD experience and knowledge even before taking ME 170, the introductory CAD course required for MechSE students. “I was able to gain a lot of valuable experience with the design process and also thinking about manufacturing,” said Jermann, who was initially drawn to the club because it allows younger members to be more involved with leadership and gain valuable skills early on.

ISS also competes in the NASA RASC-AL challenge, in which participants work on a conceptual mission design and present their work at the annual challenge forum in Florida each June. This year, the team is designing a four-person, seven-year “Mars homesteading” mission. Having been selected as a finalist in this conference for the last eight years as well, the team is hopeful to continue their top performance.

The other ISS technical teams (Spaceshot Rocketry, Hybrid Propulsion, and Solid Propulsion) all work toward creating a rocket that can travel past the Karman Line (the international definition of space). The rocket will be entered in the Spaceport America Cup. Last year, the team experienced issues with their design during tests the month before their competition, so they are motivated to redeem themselves this year and are completing an early test launch this month.

Outside of the technical teams, ISS organizes educational outreach programs working to provide K-12 students with unique experiences focused on space. They participate in classroom and library visits as well as the annual Engineering Open House (EOH). The RSO also hosts events such as Illinois Space Day (ISD) and science communication competitions. Most recently, they held a science-fiction writing/drawing competition that brought in the largest ever number of submissions.

If you’re interested in joining, visit illinoisspacesociety.org to join the ISS mailing list. ISS hosts general meetings monthly and other committee meetings at various times throughout the week. Attend the committees you’re interested in. No experience necessary!