GOES-16 Weather Satellite
In the summer of 2019 I created a technology project at my local community college. The project, formally known as the Society of Novice Interorbital Communications (SONIC), was initially established with one goal in mind: to retrieve data directly from weather satellites by decoding the signals being sent to earth. But since its creation, SONIC has surpassed all expectations. SONIC has transformed from an after-school project into an ever-growing community of individuals eager about technology and innovation.
During the early stages of SONIC, I spent a lot of time promoting the project to fellow students and faculty members. And to my surprise, SONIC began attracting more than just the individuals interested in STEM fields. Artists and creators from all realms of academia started attending the weekly meetings. The project has separated into different sub-divisions, facilitating everyone’s personal skill sets and passions.
Being the leader of this project, I presented our plans to the school board and they agreed to fully fund us. We purchased the antenna and bandpass filters required to retrieve the data being send by the satellites. GOES-16 was at a positioned perfectly for us to get a line-of-sight alignment with it. This satellite is a geostationary satellite, so there was so need to track its movements. After spending 3 days trying to position our antenna with GOES-16, we kept losing packets couldn't hold connection long enough to download any of the data. The team was definitely getting frustrated at the possibility of failing. It was tedious work trying to get the alignment perfect, but we finally got it right and we started receiving enough packets to form an image. It was so rewarding to see that first image we had taken directly from the weather satellite and it made me realize what an incredible opportunity this was.
Looking at the evolution of SONIC, from a small idea to the reality it became, I can’t help but feel a sense of reward. Not because I believe that I am responsible for SONIC’s achievements, but rather because of the diverse group of people I have been able to collaborate with. This club has not only allowed me to work and bond with many like minded individuals, but also individuals who think entirely different than me. For within SONIC there is no mutual ideology, religion, or race. SONIC is a community of innovators and “nu-thinkers”. I have learned to be a leader and embrace the differences of individuals on a team. And while SONIC has since disbanded, I know I will continue collaborating and learning from others.
