The spacecraft design program was used as the basis for giving students experience in systems engineering. Five years later, students have completed one microsatellite, SAPPHIRE, which is ready for launch now; a second microsatellite, OPAL, which is scheduled for launch from the Vandenberg Launch Complex in September 1999; starting a third microsatellite program, Emerald; working on two advanced microsatellite projects called ODIE and Orion and even have a project for reentry vehicle for NASA Ames.

OPAL is unique in that it will launch six picosatellites after it is in orbit. The weight of the picosatellites are approximately 1 kg where SAPPHIRE and OPAL are approximately 20 kg, Orion is 40 kg, and ODIE is 100 kg. This presentation will have on hand on the picosat launcher hardware and some model picosats.