From Bangladesh
to the Moon

We’re thrilled to represent Bangladesh at the forefront of NASA’s GLEE Mission - a groundbreaking global endeavor to the moon!

About Us

We’re thrilled to represent Bangladesh at the forefront of NASA’s GLEE Mission - a groundbreaking global endeavor to the moon! Through NASA’s Artemis Challenge, we stride into the deep space exploration for the first time ever from Bangladesh. As one of the global team affiliates, we have been assigned to complete rigorous training, plan and design our own space mission, develop and test our LunaSat (lunar satellite), and eventually conduct scientific studies once our configured LunaSat transmits signals from the moon to the Earth station. In Bangladesh, our initiative is being implemented through Government-Academia-Industry collaboration amongst Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme of ICT Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU) and Walton Television of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC. Our multidisciplinary team, composed of over 60 undergraduate and recent graduate students, as well as subject matter experts and researchers, represents more than 20 universities across Bangladesh. These institutions include Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, BUET, CUET, RUET, BRAC, AUST, NSU, IIUC, and others. Together, we are dedicated to take Bangladesh to the Moon!

Highlights

1 of 26

Timeline

Step 1

Jan-May, 2022

Selection

Step 2

Jun-Jan, 2023

Preliminary Preparation & Lab Setup

Step 3

Jan-Aug, 2023

Development Training

Step 4

Sep-Oct, 2023

Mission Planning & Design

Step 5

Nov 2023-Aug 2024

Development & Testing

Step 6

Nov 2023-Present

Embedded Programming

Step 7

Apr 2024-Dec 2024

Mission Control Software Development

Step 8

Jan 2025-May 2025

Mission Operation Training

Step 9

To be determined by NASA

Launch

Step 10

To be determined by NASA

Operation and Data Gathering

Step 11

To be determined by NASA

Scientific Study through Data Analysis

Mission

Our LunaSat mission, guided by NASA's Colorado Space Grant Consortium's rigorous requirements and standards, is designed to perform both Individual and Distributed Missions as outlined in our Mission Plan and Strategy. Once our LunaSat reaches the lunar surface, it will initiate a series of critical data collection activities aimed at deepening our understanding of the moon's environment and its potential for future exploration and colonization.

Initial Data Collection Phase

In the initial phase of the mission, our LunaSat will deploy the following sensors to gather vital information from the moon's surface:

Internal Temperature Sensor: This sensor will monitor and record the internal temperature of the LunaSat to ensure its optimal performance in the harsh lunar environment.
External Temperature Sensor (Thermopile): The external temperature sensor will measure the lunar environmental temperature, providing critical data from the moon's vacuum state.
Magnetometer Sensor: Utilizing the Hall Effect, this sensor will capture magnetic field data in X, Y, and Z directions, offering insights into the moon's magnetic properties.
Accelerometer Sensor: The accelerometer will detect and record data related to moonquakes and meteor impacts across three axes (X, Y, Z), also using the Hall Effect.
Capacitive Sensor: This sensor is essential for understanding the lunar geology and composition. It will help detect the presence of water and trace other potentially valuable materials like Helium-3 (He-3).

Data Analysis and Future Implications

The collected data will be processed and analyzed using advanced data science algorithms. This analysis will not only enhance our understanding of the moon's environment but also support predictive models for future lunar colonization efforts. Our findings are expected to contribute to both lunar exploration and the betterment of life on Earth.

Collaboration

This project has been registered from a2i Innovation Lab of Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme of ICT Division. a2i has been managing the project through necessary policy, infrastructure and operational support.

From academia, BSMRAAU has been providing additional laboratory support along with necessary research engagement through distinguished faculty members.

From Industry, Walton Television of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC has been providing ISO Standard 7 and 8 Cleanroom Research Facility along with advanced tool and equipment required for development and testing.

Our team members represent more than 20+ institutions

FAQ

What is LunaSat?

LunaSat can be broadly referred as Lunar Satellite. It is based on Chip Satellite Technology that undergoes femto satellite category (weighs less than 100 gram). It is world’s most advanced and powerful small satellite system that operates through satellite constellation communication mechanism. It has five science instruments (sensors), solar panel with Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), onboard microcontroller and a radio module.

What is GLEE Mission?

GLEE stands for the Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone. It is an ambitious mission to the moon managed by NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Through NASA’s Artemis Challenge, the selected research teams from around the world received the historic opportunity to design their own deep space mission, develop and test their LunaSat and collect significant data from the moon with essential mentorship and training provided by the GLEE Staff.

How we have received the opportunity?

From a2i Innovation Lab, we have participated in two-step rigorous assessment process for NASA’s Artemis Student Challenge in April 2022. Once qualified, NASA has provided necessary components, kits and tools to finish the remote workshop, program the LunaSat and submit it to them through LunaSat Power and Data Model (LPDM) guidelines.

How has this project been funded?

LunaSat Systems with all necessary components and Launch budget would be covered by NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium through NASA Artemis and other potential partnerships. In Bangladesh, a2i Innovation Lab covers the operational budget and primary infrastructure support. In addition, Walton Television of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC supports the project with its state-of-the-art ISO Standard 7 Cleanroom Research Facility with advanced tools and equipment whilst Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU) assists through additional laboratory support, research guidelines and overall mentorship.

When will LunaSat be launched to the Moon?

Initially, NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium planned to launch the LunaSats by 2023. However, there are various deciding factors for launch like Technology Readiness Level, Suitable Launch Provider, Financial Adaptability, Administrative Approvals and many more. Due to Covid-19 and other constraints, the mission has been delayed. The launch schedule will be determined by NASA’s COSGC in alignment with the directives from launch provider/partner, upon the discretion of the competent authority.

From Bangladesh to the Moon

About Us

Highlights

Timeline

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Mission

Initial Data Collection Phase

Data Analysis and Future Implications

Collaboration

FAQ

What is LunaSat?

What is GLEE Mission?

How we have received the opportunity?

How has this project been funded?

When will LunaSat be launched to the Moon?

From Bangladesh
to the Moon