The Cube Quest competition, initiated by NASA in 2015, has successfully galvanized citizen scientists and private entities across the nation to engage in advancing space exploration technologies. With an attractive prize total of $5 million, this innovative challenge sought the creative talents of the public to design, build, and operate advanced small satellites, known as CubeSats, for deep space missions.
The contest, consisting of two phases, witnessed several university and independent developer teams vying to deploy CubeSats into the challenging environment of space. Notably, Team Miles, based in Tampa, Florida, and composed of a diverse group of professionals from different fields, managed to launch its CubeSat aboard the Artemis I mission in 2022, circumnavigating the Moon.
The team’s leader, Wesley Faler, reflects on the roots of their project: “NASA called out for unusual ideas from citizen scientists, which was a perfect match for the plasma thruster I was developing at home. This kind of open invitation from NASA was very encouraging.”
Throughout the competition, Team Miles enhanced its plasma thruster, operating on water, to propel their breadbox-sized satellite, and developed a flight computer to withstand the rigors of deep space communication. Despite facing a communications setback, the ground test phase still brought Team Miles a reward of $100,000 from NASA.
Faler points out the real value of participating in such challenges lies in the recognition and opportunity to spread their ideas even further than monetary success. It also instilled perseverance within the team.
Following their challenge experience, Wesley Faler went on to cofound Miles Space, Inc., which has since become a subsidiary of RocketStar, Inc., following an acquisition in January 2024. Faler steered the company to innovate a nuclear fusion space propulsion system, showcasing the enduring influence of the NASA Cube Quest challenge on developing commercial spaceflight technology.
Offering advice to future participants of similar challenges, Faler shares, “Your time is always well-spent on these challenges. They push you to grow, regardless of the outcome.”
FAQs about NASA’s Cube Quest Challenge and Space Propulsion Technology
- What was NASA’s Cube Quest competition about?
- How did Team Miles contribute to the Cube Quest competition?
- What has been the outcome of Team Miles’ participation in the competition?
- What advice does Wesley Faler offer to future challenge participants?
The Cube Quest competition was an initiative by NASA that challenged individuals and teams to design, build, and deliver small satellites capable of operating in deep space. It had a total prize purse of $5 million and aimed to stimulate innovation in space technology.
Team Miles, led by Wesley Faler, was the only team that successfully sent its CubeSat, propelled by a water-fueled plasma thruster, on the Artemis I mission around the Moon. Despite not winning the in-space challenge phase, the team was awarded $100,000 for its ground test achievements.
The competition helped launch Miles Space, Inc., which developed into a company dedicated to advancing nuclear fusion propulsion technology. Later acquired by RocketStar, Inc., Miles Space’s journey underscores the impact of NASA’s challenge in propelling commercial space technology development.
Faler encourages future competitors by saying that involvement in challenges like NASA’s is never a waste of time and that it fosters personal and professional growth, regardless of whether you win or not.
Conclusion
The Cube Quest competition by NASA is more than just a testament to human creativity and the spirit of innovation; it stands as a platform that has given rise to ground-breaking advancements in space propulsion technologies. The journey of Team Miles from a community-led team to a part of a larger technological endeavor demonstrates that participating in such challenges can have long-lasting and far-reaching benefits. It’s a clear message to all aspiring innovators: the process of ideation and competition can yield success beyond the strive for prize money, paving pathways for growth, recognition, and significant impacts on the future of space exploration.