Iverson Bell – Researching the future of space satellites

Iverson Bell is about to graduate with his PhD in electrical engineering. As a member of Prof. Brian Gilchrist’s research group, Mr. Bell is investigating the potential of electrodynamic tether propulsion technology to enhance the capabilities of an emerging class of smartphone-sized satellites. Potential applications for these satellites include emergency preparedness, emergency relief, and space weather.

We sat down with Iverson to talk about grad life at Michigan and his ambitions in his field.

Iverson talks with Dan Jourdan, legislative director for Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, about wire that could be used to power micro-satellite propulsion. Representatives of the Michigan Space Grant Consortium — part of a national NASA-funded program aimed at increasing the number of students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math — were in Washington, D.C., recently to urge support. U-M manages the Space Grant program in Michigan. (Photo by Mike Waring, Washington Office)