What Sentinel-Bio+ Does

Sentinel-Bio+ is a planned constellation of small satellites designed to measure space radiation and atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit. The data supports NASA, satellite operators, and government agencies that need reliable space-environment measurements to manage operational risk.

The Sun is nearing the peak of Solar Cycle 25, and the number of satellites in orbit is growing rapidly. Reliable radiation data is critical for protecting astronauts, managing satellite lifetimes, and planning future missions.

The program is selected and funded by the NASA California Space Grant Consortium. San Josรฉ State University is developing the spacecraft with guidance from SDSI mentors, following NASA systems engineering processes from design review through hardware testing.

SJSU students, Sentinel-Bio+ spacecraft bus team

SJSU spacecraft bus team

Who Builds It

Spacecraft Bus: SJSU

SJSU students design the satellite structure, power, communications, and onboard computing, building on SJSU's established partnership with NASA Ames Research Center.

San Josรฉ State University students

SJSU spacecraft bus team

Science Payload: SDSU

SDSU students develop the instrument package: a radiation detector, MEMS accelerometer, and fluxgate magnetometers that collect atmospheric drag and radiation data.

San Diego State University students

SDSU payload team

Progress to Date

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2028 โ€” Pending

Constellation Launch

Six CubeSats planned for rideshare launch into sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, beginning operational data collection for space-weather and radiation monitoring.

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Early 2026

External Design Review

Teams completing interface documentation, communications link analysis, and hardware selection ahead of external PDR.

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December 2025

Internal Design Review Complete

SDSI completed an internal PDR covering satellite architecture, payload design, and spacecraft bus. Program assessed at 75-80% NASA-level PDR alignment with no blocking deficiencies. Cleared to proceed toward external PDR.

๐Ÿ†
October 2025

NASA Space Grant Award

SDSI, SJSU, and SDSU selected for two awards under NASA's 2025 Workforce Development Program. One award supports spacecraft bus development at SJSU, the other supports payload development at SDSU.

๐Ÿš€
September 2025

Program Start

Sentinel-Bio+ launched with NASA California Space Grant seed funding. Student teams at SJSU and SDSU began engineering training and early prototype work following NASA Systems Engineering Handbook.