About Us

Kentucky Space

Kentucky Space LLC is an ambitious, non-profit enterprise focused on R&D, educational, small entrepreneurial and commercial space solutions.

A Unique Opportunity for Research
The CubeLab® research platform was born out of a need for repeatable/affordable research on the International Space Station (ISS). Kentucky Space hardware designs fit a variety of platforms on suborbit vehicles, free-flying orbiting CubeSats and ISS platforms. By providing a standardized platform and open architecture for the experimental modules, we shrink the development cycle and cost for research and development, which leads to whole new products and markets.

What can we learn by removing gravity from the equation?
During their evolution over billions of years, the form and function of all organisms on Earth have adapted to the force of Earth’s gravity and these characteristics are encoded in their genes: up-down asymmetry, structural strength, size of force-producing elements and sensory systems. By eliminating gravity, cells, molecules, protein crystals, microbes, etc. behave in very different ways. This presents opportunities to explore new and potentially game-changing discoveries in areas such as human tissue regeneration, drug development and treatments for diseases such as cancer and other life threatening and chronic conditions, as well as energy and novel materials.

Communications
Kentucky Space has a robust network of terrestrial antennas, which includes a 21-meter space tracking antenna capable of both communicating and controlling spacecraft in orbit.

Kentucky Space also has a fully certified ISS Operations Center where astronaut interaction with space hardware is monitored and controlled.

Systems Engineering
Kentucky Space provides comprehensive support for small missions from project concept through the design, development, flight qualification, launch and operation of spacecraft and payloads. Our engineering team is capable of mechanical, software and embedded systems design and analysis.

We have clean room facilities for payload integration and a full suite of test equipment capable of EMI, vibration, environmental qualification, Antenna characterization and pre-flight qualifications.

Exomedicine Research
Together with the Exomedicine Institute, Kentucky Space develops and pursues microgravity research initiatives focused on medical solutions (www.exomedicine.com).

Education
STE2M SpaceLab
Kentucky Space teaches a STEM program working with high schools across the country to design and conduct real science on the International Space Station (www.stemspacelab.com).

A middle school program called Dropzone is under development (www.dropzonescience.org).