Flagship Program
An applied research satellite constellation measuring space radiation and atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit, developed under the NASA California Space Grant Consortium.
The Mission
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 spacecraft bus team
University Teams
SJSU students design the satellite structure, power, communications, and onboard computing, building on SJSU's established partnership with NASA Ames Research Center.
SJSU spacecraft bus team
SDSU students develop the instrument package: a radiation detector, MEMS accelerometer, and fluxgate magnetometers that collect atmospheric drag and radiation data.
SDSU payload team
Engineering Process
Six CubeSats planned for rideshare launch into sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, beginning operational data collection for space-weather and radiation monitoring.
Teams completing interface documentation, communications link analysis, and hardware selection ahead of external PDR.
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.
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.
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.