COD’s STEM Program Announces New CubeSat Technology Partnership with Aerospace Experts Exquadrum
COD STEM Students Have the Opportunity to Learn from Industry Leaders and Work with the Latest Technological Advancements
Aerospace and Defense contractor, Exquadrum, and College of the Desert’s STEM program are working together to experimentally develop a capability collaboration to simulate CubeSat on-orbit thermal performance. Over the last few months, Exquadrum leaders have been virtually coaching, sharing their advanced technology, and have toured faculty and students through the company’s Victorville headquarters.
Exquadrum's development of a new multi-pulse propulsion system is designed to enhance the capabilities of CubeSats to enable more efficient and higher velocity missions. CubeSats are miniaturized satellites used for scientific research, technology demonstration, and experimental outreach to gather data in low Earth orbit or other regions of space. The propulsion systems are essential for adjusting the orbits of satellites, maintaining their positions, and conducting orbital maneuvers.
"We have been thoroughly impressed by the COD's faculty and students, who have consistently showcased an exceptional aptitude for high-level experimental science," says Eric Schmidt, President of Exquadrum. "Their passion and proficiency have not only caught our attention but also inspired us to collaborate with them. Exquadrum is delighted to join forces with COD, aiding in the development of their program, providing essential experimental hardware, and generating valuable empirical data for our CubeSat multi-pulse solid propulsion technology. This partnership underscores the immense potential that arises from the synergy between academia and industry."
"Collaborating with Exquadrum is an extraordinary opportunity for our students,” says COD Professor Michael Gariety. “Their willingness to share cutting-edge research technology and generously donate experimental hardware will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our recent award of M-STAR Grant Funding from NASA. Our partnership with Exquadrum not only enriches our students' educational journey but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the advancements in space exploration and technology. It's a remarkable testament to the value of hands-on learning and industry-academic cooperation in shaping the future of our aspiring scientists and engineers."
Exquadrum’s two decades of groundbreaking research, development solutions and customer-focused technical services to the aerospace, defense, and commercial space sectors will assist in the development of future curricula to advance COD Engineering offerings to the aerospace and defense communities.
"Through this dynamic partnership, we are laying the foundation for remarkable possibilities,” shares COD’s Interim President/Superintendent Laura Hope. “We envision a future where our collaborative efforts will propel our students to new heights, with the potential for them to be at the forefront of testing rockets that will soon carry payloads to the moon. Collaborations such as these exemplify the transformative impact that can be achieved when education and innovation converge, opening doors to groundbreaking opportunities for our students and graduates. Thank you to the COD Foundation for bringing this dynamic partnership together."
About Exquadrum
Exquadrum’s company name means “outside the box,” indicating its “thinking outside the box” approach to innovation. Exquadrum specializes in highly innovative technology development, with an emphasis on rocket-based systems. The company conducts design, analysis, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of advanced and emerging munitions, propulsion, and power systems. Additional information can be found at www.exquadrum.com.
About the COD Foundation
The College of the Desert Foundation’s mission is to act as an advocate for the college and to secure financial support, enhancing the educational opportunities for all students. The COD Foundation has raised more than $100 million over 40 years to support student services and manages endowments and other assets of more than $43.5 million to provide financial support for scholarships, textbooks, technology, faculty positions, childcare, housing and food insecure programs. Yet even with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, there still are unmet needs for thousands of students each year. We invite you to Empower COD Students to Spread Their Wings. Call the COD Foundation at 760.773.2561 or donate to www.codfoundation.org.
College of the Desert Foundation is a 501(C)3 registered nonprofit organization. The mission of the COD Foundation is to act as advocates for the college and to secure financial support enhancing the educational opportunities for all students.
