Western Aerospace Launch Initiative WALI

The Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI) is a student organization based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, comprised of four employees. Founded in 2014 by undergraduate students passionate about spacecraft engineering, WALI has grown significantly since its inception. WALI focuses on the design, development, and testing of CubeSats, small satellites that are approximately the size of a shoebox. Their work involves exploring topics such as electric propulsion systems, orbital maneuvers, and plasma spectroscopy. Notably, WALI participates in the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP), a prestigious initiative that provides students with the opportunity to build and launch their own satellites. WALI distinguishes itself through its active involvement in cutting-edge research and its collaborations with industry partners like Busek Co. The organization's commitment to fostering student growth and development is evident in its high retention rates and its leadership under Principal Investigator Dr. Kristina Lemmer and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Pablo Gomez. Interested parties can find more information about WALI and their projects at www.wali-wmu.org.