Micro-g NExT
What is Micro-g?
The Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT) challenge has students design and prototype a tool for astronauts to use for the upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. The tool must accomplish a task and has specific parameters dictated by NASA. Students present their ideas and get selected to make a prototype of their tool and test it at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Huston, Texas.
The Micro-g team starts the year by choosing one challenge that NASA releases and brainstorming ideas to solve the problem. After settling on a general design, they will CAD the design and present their idea to NASA. If selected, they will refine the design and manufacture the prototype.
ISS has represented the University of Illinois in the Micro-G next competition since 2014, and has been selected as Finalists each time. In 2019, our tool design was also selected to be presented at the International Astronautical Congress. In 2022, our tool was taken by Nasa and placed in a museum.
Skills learned include:
Communication and Presentation
Computer-Aided Design (Siemens NX)
Engineering Design Process
Engineering Research
Laser cutting
Prototyping
Safety and Risk Management
Technical writing
Working with machine shops
3D printing
Micro-g has three positions available to run for at the start of the school yearf, including
Communications lead
Research/Testing lead
Technical lead
New members are encouraged to apply!
Emma Held is the project manager for the 2023-2024 school year. Contact her with any questions at ejheld2@illinois.edu
Leadership
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Emma Held
Micro-g NExT Project Lead
ejheld2@illinois.edu
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Drew Eimer
Communications Lead
deeimer2@illinois.edu
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Alana Falter
Research/Testing Lead
alanaf2@illinois.edu
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Ryan Smith
Design/Manufacturing Lead
rpsmith4@illinois.edu
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Vincent Ma
Undergraduate Technical Advisor
vma7@illinois.edu