Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32496: TARGIT: Georgia Tech’s Revolutionary Approach to Satellite Imaging from the ISS

Among the most exciting experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is the Tethering And Ranging mission of the Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly referred to as TARGIT. Led by Dr. Brian Gunter from Georgia Tech’s School of Aerospace Engineering, this innovative mission represents a breakthrough in how we design, deploy, and manage small satellite systems in space.

The core objective of TARGIT is to demonstrate a compact, cost-effective method of deploying tethered satellites for high-resolution terrain imaging. By using a CubeSat platform—essentially a small, cube-shaped satellite about the size of a shoebox—researchers can achieve missions traditionally reserved for much larger and more expensive spacecraft.

During Expedition 66, TARGIT tested its integrated deployable tether and imaging system. This system involved deploying a small subsatellite from the main CubeSat while both were in orbit. The tether between them allowed researchers to measure distances precisely and conduct relative motion experiments—key for applications such as planetary surface mapping, Earth observation, and even inter-satellite navigation.

The most innovative part of TARGIT lies in its radar imaging technology, which was designed to generate detailed 3D maps of the terrain beneath. This is particularly useful for observing Earth’s topography, tracking environmental changes, or planning future missions to planetary bodies like the Moon and Mars.

One major benefit of tethered systems is that they offer precise positional control, which is critical for imaging accuracy. Additionally, they eliminate the need for complex propulsion systems, thereby reducing cost, risk, and weight.

Beyond its technical accomplishments, TARGIT exemplifies the value of university-led missions. Students and faculty at Georgia Tech played a pivotal role in the design, fabrication, and operation of the satellite. This kind of hands-on experience prepares the next generation of aerospace engineers while advancing NASA’s goals in space-based research and development.

TARGIT isn’t just a mission—it’s a proof of concept for the future of modular, scalable satellite operations. As space becomes more accessible, the ability to deploy smaller, smarter instruments will redefine how we explore and monitor our planet and beyond.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

https://learn.agnirva.com/course/the-agnirva-space-internship-program/

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.