STARGATE
Spacecraft Tracking and Astronomical Research into Gigahertz Astrophysical Transient Emission
The South Texas region has unique demographic challenges; improving the technical workforce pipeline is one of them. Spacecraft Tracking and Astronomical Research into Gigahertz Astrophysical Transient Emission (STARGATE) is integrated into that pipeline to further expand the number of opportunities, and the demand for graduates with advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering degrees.
Originally conceived by Dr. Fredrick Jenet as a public-private partnership between the Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy (CARA) at UTRGV and SpaceX, the development of STARGATE prompted the UT system to designate CARA as the first research unit at UTRGV, thus establishing the university as a worldwide recognized institution in astrophysics. The project also forged collaboration with manufacturing companies with experience in electronics, radio, and aerospace components. Their specific expertise ensures STARGATE's designs are commercially viable and help speed prototyping and development.
Currently led by Dr. Teviet Creighton, STARGATE is developing new radio frequency based- and other technologies for space exploration and commercialization. This work has identified specific, innovative devices and improved algorithms that will soon allow for the next generation of orbital communication systems.
CARA developed tools used by researchers around the world for processing signals from radio pulsars. That prior effort gives STARGATE a competitive advantage in the development of tools needed for the next generation of orbital RF communication.
Research Facilities
CARA Multipurpose Electronics Lab (CARAMEL)
2,000 sq ft lab fully equipped for developing radio-frequency (RF) and other electronic systems, including RF test equipment and network analyzers up to 50 GHz, printed circuit board prototyping, and a 100 square foot RF-shielded anechoic test chamber
CARA/CGWA Laser Lab
Research laboratory for high-powered lasers and optics for communication and precision metrology, including optical fiber splicing equipment
STARGATE Space Simulator
Large-volume cryogenic vacuum system for testing instruments and materials in a simulated space pressure and thermal environment
STARGATE Ground Station
20-element phased-array spacecraft tracking and communication complex on the UTRGV Brownsville campus
STARGATE Engineering
A rapid prototyping facility operated in collaboration with the College of Engineering, including additive and subtractive manufacturing with computer-controlled milling and 3D printing in a variety of materials; including polymer, acrylic resin, and metal (laser powder bed fusion: stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium)
Explore What STARGATE Has to Offer
- Proven local team of experts in space exploration
- Network of world-renowned scientists and engineers with expertise in space exploration, space missions, RF technologies, signal processing, and "Big Data"
- Professional PhD level student associates in Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Business
- Industry mentoring program for students and entrepreneurs
- Collaborative relationship with Expanding Frontiers
- Strategic advice, operational guidance to startups companies to accelerate the process to become successful high growth technology business
- Experienced technology startup company mentors
- NewSpace venture capital investors
- Conventional RF dish systems for training and instrument development
- Phased-array systems for orbital communication, tracking, debris monitoring
- High-power low-cost lasercomm systems for spacecraft
- Novel off-the-grid power and communication systems for remote operations
- Machine learning and edge computing for remote sensors in low-bandwidth locations
- New materials for spacecraft propulsion systems and shielding
- Software for Earth imaging and geolocation
- Radio-frequency interference mitigation and EM spectrum sharing
- Gravity gradiometry for remote sensing
Please contact Dr. Teviet Creighton (teviet.creighton@utrgv.edu) for additional information about using STARGATE equipment.
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MODEL NUMBER |
DESCRIPTION |
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Agilent 85052B |
26.5 GHz Mechanical Calibration Kit |
|
Agilent 8720ES |
20 GHz Vector Network Analyzer with Time Domain Capability |
|
Agilent E4440A |
26.5 GHz Analyzer |
|
Agilent E8267C |
20 GHz Vector Generator (Direct I/Q Modulation) |
|
American Beauty 105A12 |
Resistive Soldering Iron |
|
Anritsu MG3671A |
2.75 GHz Vector Generator |
|
AOYUE Int 906 |
Reflow Iron |
|
BK Precision 2630 |
1 GHz Analyzer |
|
BK Precision 2650 |
3 GHz Analyzer |
|
Custom |
10 GigE Enabled Linux Box |
|
Electro Industries 3002A |
30 Volt Supply |
|
Extech EX430 |
Multimeter with Temperature Sensor |
|
GW Instek GOS-6102 |
100 MHz Dual Input |
|
GW Instek GRG-450B |
150 MHz (450 MHz on Harmonics) Scalar Generator |
|
Harbor Freight 38119 |
8" Drill Press |
|
HP 8657A |
1 GHz Scalar Generator |
|
Mac Mini |
Mac Mini |
|
MASTECH HY1803 D |
18 Volt Supply |
|
METCAL MX-500P-11 |
Precision Soldering Iron |
|
Netclock 9483 |
GPS Time Server |
|
NoiseCom UFX 7108 |
500MHz Programmable Noise Generator |
|
PASCO-SF-9584A |
AC/DC Power Supply |
|
ProtoBoard 204 |
Breadboard with Integrated Power Supply |
|
Pulizzi TPC115-10-D |
Remote Power Bus |
|
Raspberry Pi B/B+/A+/3 |
Single Board Computers |
|
ROACH 2 |
Casper ROACH 2 with Vertex 5 FPGA and 2 Dual 200MHz ADCs |
|
Rohde & Schwarz FSH3 |
3 GHz Analyzer w/ Tracking Generator and VSWR Bridge |
|
Rohde & Schwarz FSH6 |
6 GHz Analyzer w/ Tracking Generator and VSWR Bridge |
|
SRS DS3450 |
30 MHz Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer |
|
Tektronix TDS2022B |
200 MHz Dual Input |
CARA Archive coming soon
Learn more about the legacy Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy (CARA); peruse past programs, find alumni and access the archived thesis library, memos, reports and more.