FalconSAT-5 Tests a Win-Win for AFRL/Academy Interests Published March 25, 2010 AFRL Headquarters WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- United States Air Force Academy cadets assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory workforce at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in conducting recent FalconSAT-5 operational testing. Historically, the collaboration between the two organizations has proven mutually beneficial, and this recent activity is no exception. While cadets and faculty acquired a wealth of real-world, hands-on experience of relevance to operational endeavors, AFRL reaped rewards in terms of the program cost efficiency gained in leveraging the relationship. Collectively, these advantages translate to better contributions towards Air Force mission success. The primary mission of FalconSAT-5, a satellite being integrated and flown by the Department of Defense Space Test Program and supported by AFRL, is to collect space weather measurements via a network of onboard sensors and remote ground sites. The program's multidisciplinary aspects, from operations and finance to engineering and program management, not only encompass critical needs in the area of space technology, but strive to address these needs by promoting the education and experience of space professionals. The Edwards AFB-based test activity focused on validating the spacecraft's various subsystems (including its thruster, which is an AFRL-provided payload). Testing occurred in AFRL's newly upgraded Space Propellants Environmental Facility, a 30-foot-diameter spherical vacuum chamber. The large physical size of the chamber, as well as its capacity for high vacuum pumping speed, enabled the team to test the satellite in conditions closely emulating the space environment. Spanning just 2 years start to finish, the FalconSAT-5 program achieved a notable milestone in terms of its origination as a blank-sheet effort and culmination in a satellite implementation.