Programs

This page presents a list of all current CSTART programs, and some possible future programs.  You can click on each program’s name to read more about it.

CSTART programs are structured into stages.  Stage 1 of each program is always the simplest achievable goal that is in line with the program’s overall aims, and each additional stage raises the bar.  Each program is composed of many projects.  The current stage of a program is whichever stage the most recent project has achieved.  A program is over once a project which meets the requirements of the final stage is complete.

Current programs

The current set of CSTART programs focus on developing foundational technology for future, more ambitious programs.  At the completion of all phases of all the foundational projects, CSTART will have developed basic rockets, satellites and manned spacecraft.  These will serve as the building blocks for future programs focused on science and exploration in Earth orbit and elsewhere in the solar system.

CloudLab Program

The goal of the CloudLab program is the design and construction of a family of high altitude balloon systems with reliable payload recovery capabilities, to facilitate high altitude testing of hardware for other CSTART programs, and the conducting of science programs.

Chimera Program

The goal of the Chimera program is the design and construction of a family of safe and reliable hybrid rocket vehicles of increasingly capability, ranging from suborbital to orbital.

COSMoS Program

The goal of the COSMoS (CSTART’s Open Source Modular Satellite) program is the design and construction of a family of miniature satellites, based on the CubeSat specification.  These satellites will be used to perform scientific activities in Low Earth Orbit.

Future programs

Possible future programs for CSTART are:

• Using the results of the COSMoS program to perform more specific scientific programs in Earth orbit.
• Combining the results of the Chimera and COSMoS programs to construct simple lunar/interplanetary probes (cf early Luna probes).
• Undertaking robotic exploration of the moon.

Whereas the foundational programs have largely been decided by the earliest and most active members of CSTART, the directions that CSTART takes on with future programs will be decided in a more open and democratic matter.