Space Talk: Building Satellites for Remote Sensing Research in Hawaiʻi

Aerospace Engineer Amber Imai-Hong

Ever wonder what satellites do in Hawaiʻi and why we need them? From monitoring volcanoes and coastline erosion to tracking wildfires and the health of our local ecosystems, satellites use remote sensing to help us learn about the Islands and stay prepared for natural disasters. With the advent of low-cost satellite kits and materials, space is now more accessible than ever and students can learn how to design, build, launch, and operate real-life satellites as part of their undergraduate education. 

To inspire students and highlight Hawaiʻi's role in aerospace, PISCES is hosting the inaugural Space Science Symposium on Thursday, Oct. 26, 6 – 7 p.m. to explore how scientists and engineers at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) work together to build and fly small satellite missions led by the Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL).

Big Island native and HSFL aerospace engineer Amber Imai-Hong will discuss how remote sensing research at HIGP informs small satellite design, and how low-cost satellites are democratizing space education. She will also share her personal journey of becoming an engineer and highlight local opportunities for students interested in aerospace. Register now to attend.

For more information, visit: https://pacificspacecenter.com/education/space-science-symposium/