About Project possum
Project PoSSUM: Exploring the Upper Atmosphere and Beyond
Project PoSSUM is a non-profit research and education program that focuses on conducting upper-atmospheric and astronautics research while offering immersive astronaut training. The organization is a 501c3, which means it operates as a tax-exempt entity under the United States Internal Revenue Code.
The mission of Project PoSSUM is to advance our understanding of the upper atmosphere, which includes studying noctilucent clouds, mesospheric bores, gravity waves, and other phenomena. The organization also conducts research on suborbital vehicles and their potential for scientific exploration.
In addition to its research efforts, Project PoSSUM offers an immersive astronaut training program that prepares individuals for suborbital spaceflight. This program includes high-altitude balloon flights, centrifuge training, spacesuit testing, and other activities designed to simulate the experience of being in space.
One of the unique aspects of Project PoSSUM is its focus on citizen science. The organization encourages members of the public to participate in its research efforts by collecting data on noctilucent clouds or other atmospheric phenomena using simple equipment such as cameras or smartphones.
Project PoSSUM has partnerships with several organizations in both academia and industry. These partnerships allow for collaboration on cutting-edge research projects while also providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in aerospace engineering or related fields.
The team at Project PoSSUM consists of scientists, engineers, pilots, educators, and others who are passionate about exploring the upper atmosphere and beyond. Many members have backgrounds in NASA or other aerospace organizations.
Overall, Project PoSSUM is an innovative organization that combines scientific research with education and outreach efforts. Its unique approach to studying the upper atmosphere has already yielded important discoveries while inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers alike.