Micro-g NExT

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What is Micro-g?

The Micro-g Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-g NExT) challenge has students design and prototype a tool for astronauts to use for the upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. The tool must accomplish a task and has specific parameters dictated by NASA. Students present their ideas and get selected to make a prototype of their tool and test it at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Houston, Texas. 

The Micro-g team starts the year by choosing one challenge that NASA releases and brainstorming ideas to solve the problem. After settling on a general design, they will CAD the design and present their idea to NASA. If selected, they will refine the design and manufacture the prototype. 

ISS has represented the University of Illinois in the Micro-G next competition since 2014, and has been selected as Finalists each time. In 2019, our tool design was also selected to be presented at the International Astronautical Congress. In 2022, our tool was taken by Nasa and placed in a museum.

Skills learned include:

  • Communication and Presentation

  • Computer-Aided Design (Siemens NX)

  • Engineering Design Process

  • Engineering Research

  • Laser cutting 

  • Prototyping

  • Safety and Risk Management

  • Technical writing

  • Working with machine shops

  • 3D printing 

Micro-g has three positions available to run for at the start of the school year, including 

  • Communications lead

  • Research/Testing lead 

  • Technical lead

New members are encouraged to apply!

Zoe Surles is the project manager for the 2024-2025 school year. Contact her with any questions at zsurles2@illinois.edu

Leadership