RIT Professor Teams Up with NASA Astronaut

Staff Report / ROClocal.org

**RIT Professor Collaborates with NASA Astronaut on Mechanical Star Tracker**

Ted Kinsman, an associate professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) College of Art and Design, has partnered with NASA astronaut Don Pettit to develop a mechanical star tracker for the International Space Station (ISS).

The collaboration, detailed in an interview with PetaPixel, highlights how Kinsman contributed his expertise alongside Pettit’s vision for the project. Their goal was to design a device capable of tracking stars mechanically, providing valuable data and tools for astronauts aboard the ISS.

This partnership brings together innovative engineering and creative approaches to space exploration, showcasing the integration of academic expertise with astronautical research. The star tracker is intended to help further astronomical observations conducted from the station.



Source: Rochester Institute of Technology

Source Type: College

Source Location:

Jan 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM College

Utica, NY

1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY, United States, 14623

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