The Space and Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL)

The Space and Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL) provides graduate students with a world-class education and research in the field of space system design, technology and operation.

SSDL's Satellite Quick Research Testbed (SQUIRT) trains students in all aspects of the spacecraft design life cycle through hands-on work on real, student-engineered satellites — intended to be excellent examples of simple, fast, cheap, flexible and intelligent micro-satellite design, launched into orbit and operated from Stanford. SQUIRT also prepares students for participation in SSDL's advanced space research projects. Scientific and engineering partners in these projects include a variety of academic research centers, government laboratories and industrial corporations. SSDL's flagship satellites are SAPPHIRE and OPAL.