Undergrad leads SmallSat project bound for space station

Kelsey Henry gains confidence and interdisciplinary skills in hands-on experience  

As a physics major at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, Kelsey Henry is gaining hands-on experience in the University’s Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SmallSat)—contributing to a student-led mission preparing to launch technology into space.

“Studying physics lets me ask deep questions, but also apply those ideas in real-world projects,” she said. “Working on a satellite that could go to space is something I never imagined I’d do as an undergrad.”

Henry sees science as a creative pursuit, and her path reflects that spirit.

“I’ve always been interested in how different ways of thinking—like art and science—can inform each other,” said Henry, who transferred to the University of Minnesota from Minneapolis College of Art and Design as well as Minneapolis Community and Technical College. “Physics gives me the tools to explore those connections.”

In the Q&A that follows this video, Kelsey Henry shares more insights about her time on campus.

Tell me about your experience exploring space research. 
I’m part of the University of Minnesota’s Small Satellite Research Lab, where undergraduates build and test CubeSats—small satellites designed for research in near-space and low Earth orbit. I started in quality assurance, focusing on documentation and testing. Recently, I was promoted to project manager, helping lead the team and connecting the work across different sub-teams.

What projects are you working on?
I’m involved in two sister projects: the Impulsive Phase Rapid Energetic Solar Spectrometer (IMPRESS) and the Experiment for X-ray Navigation, Characterization and Timing (EXACT).

IMPRESS is a satellite designed to study solar flares by detecting high-energy X-rays from the sun. Solar flares can disrupt technology on Earth, so learning more about them helps improve future predictions and models.

EXACT is a payload that will use X-ray signals from the Crab Pulsar to test deep space navigation without relying on GPS. It’s like using the stars for navigation, but with X-rays. EXACT will be hosted as an experimental science payload on the International Space Station—a rare opportunity for an undergraduate-led project. 

What makes this lab experience unique? 
One of the best parts of working in the SmallSat Lab is working alongside students from many majors. Everyone brings different skills to the table. We have electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, astrophysicists, computer scientists—and we’re all collaborating on the same project. It’s like solving a giant puzzle together. This interdisciplinary collaboration has changed how I think about research and careers I might want to explore after graduation.

What’s been your most significant learning experience?
Honestly? Things rarely go exactly as planned when you’re building a satellite from scratch! I’ve learned how important it is to document everything clearly and stay adaptable. I love that in this lab, undergrads are not just following a manual— we’re designing, building, and problem-solving together. It’s a chance to apply everything I’m learning and be part of something real that’s going to space.

What skills have you gained outside of science and engineering?
So many! Technical writing has been a huge one—creating documents that clearly explain complex ideas for other teams or partners like NASA’s Minnesota Space Grant Consortium or the Air Force Research Lab. I’ve learned project management skills: organizing test runs, coordinating across teams, and making sure everyone has access to the information they need. I’ve also gained confidence, knowing I can step into something unfamiliar and figure it out alongside a supportive team.

How has your scholarship support impacted your experience?
Receiving scholarships, like the Allen Goldman Scholarship, has made it possible for me to focus on academics and research without financial stress. That support gave me the freedom to explore hands-on research and spend time in the lab—it’s made a huge difference in my experience.

What’s next after graduation?
I’m planning to go to graduate school—possibly in physics or an interdisciplinary field. Working in the SmallSat Lab has helped me see what I enjoy in a work environment: collaboration, curiosity, and the freedom to learn by doing.

Story by Kristin Kelker.

Explore more hands-on research at the renovated Shepherd Labs

The Small Satellite Research Lab is part of interdisciplinary, project-based work that mirrors the real world. This kind of experiential learning is championed by the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Minnesota and powered by donor support, as well as the Air Force Research Lab, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Science Foundation, and NASA’s Minnesota Space Grant Consortium.

Soon, these student-led projects will have a new home in the renovated Shepherd Labs. Learn more at z.umn.edu/Transforming-Shepherd-Labs.