A small satellite, no larger than a loaf of bread, is scheduled to launch into orbit to study space weather. A team of 70 undergraduate students from three universities designed and constructed the device over five years, which will contribute data to a NASA mission aimed at protecting Earth's vital technologies.
The miniature satellite, known as a CubeSat, will lift off aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch is planned for no earlier than November 10, 2025, at 10:19 a.m. PST. Its primary objective is to gather information on the solar wind and its effects on Earth's upper atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- A CubeSat named 3UCubed, built by 70 undergraduate students, is set to launch on November 10, 2025.
- The project is a collaboration between the University of New Hampshire, Sonoma State University, and Howard University.
- The satellite will study the solar wind and its impact on the thermosphere, contributing to NASA's IMAP mission.
- Data collected will help improve space weather forecasting and protect power grids, GPS, and communication networks.
A Collaborative Effort in Space Science
The mission, officially named 3UCubed, represents a significant achievement in student-led space research. The name reflects its core purpose: uplifting undergraduate students to study atmospheric upwelling, while also acknowledging the three universities involved in its creation—the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Sonoma State University (SSU), and Howard University (HU).
Over a five-year period, students took on roles typically reserved for seasoned professionals. They were responsible for everything from writing the software code that will operate the satellite in space to soldering wires during its physical assembly. UNH led the project, with students and staff fully assembling the satellite and its two primary scientific instruments on campus.
"This is an amazing opportunity for UNH students to not only get hands-on technical experience but to also collaborate with other undergraduates across the country to design and build an entire space mission," said Noé Lugaz, a research professor in physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire.
The project was selected as part of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, a program designed to provide students, teachers, and faculty with opportunities to fly small satellites.
Defining Roles and Responsibilities
The collaboration was structured to leverage the strengths of each institution. While UNH managed the overall satellite assembly and instrument construction, students from SSU focused on developing the software for the primary ground station. This station will be responsible for collecting data from the satellite and sending commands to the spacecraft once it is in orbit.
Students at Howard University worked with UNH to build a backup ground station, ensuring the mission has redundancy. The SSU team also engaged with local amateur radio operators and Scout members to build an additional ground station for community outreach and educational purposes.
The Science Behind the Mission
Once launched, the 3UCubed satellite will travel to the thermosphere, the same region of the upper atmosphere where the International Space Station and many other satellites orbit Earth. From this vantage point, it will take critical measurements to help scientists understand the complex interactions between the sun and our planet.
Mission Objectives
- Atmospheric Density: Measure the concentration of single oxygen atoms at high altitudes.
- Particle Precipitation: Study how electrons from space enter the upper atmosphere.
- Solar Wind Response: Analyze how the thermosphere in the auroral regions reacts to changing solar conditions.
The data collected will be analyzed alongside information from NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. This combined dataset is expected to advance the understanding of how solar events can cause disturbances in communication signals and lead to changes in protective atmospheric layers like the ozone.
Improving space weather forecasts is a critical goal. Large solar flares can release massive amounts of energy that can disrupt or damage essential infrastructure, including communication networks, power grids, and GPS systems that are fundamental to modern life.
What is a CubeSat?
CubeSats are a class of small, standardized satellites that have revolutionized space science. Their compact size and cost-effective design make them ideal for educational institutions and smaller research projects. They provide an accessible platform for students to gain practical experience in building and operating spacecraft without the immense scale and budget of larger satellite missions.
Building the Next Generation of Engineers
Beyond its scientific goals, the 3UCubed project was designed to provide invaluable real-world experience for students pursuing careers in science and engineering. Participants were involved in every stage of the mission, from initial concept to final preparations for launch.
Their tasks included performing trade studies, conducting orbit analyses, selecting vendors for various subsystems, and managing budgets for mass, power, and data transmission. This hands-on involvement is intended to inspire and prepare them for future roles in the aerospace industry and other related fields.
Alex Chesley, who studied mechanical engineering at UNH and graduated in 2022, was part of the mission team. He designed the initial computer-aided design (CAD) model of the satellite and helped create the specifications for its altitude control system.
"At the time, I had a keen interest for the aerospace industry and saw this as a great opportunity to get valuable experience working with industry professionals," Chesley explained. "It was fascinating to learn about so many new subjects about space science and instrumentation that I had never studied before."
Chesley now works as a configuration engineer at STS Aerospace in Laconia, N.H., where he develops fluid distribution systems for space, aeronautics, and defense clients. He credits his work on the 3UCubed mission with his professional development.
"The experience with the 3UCubed mission helped with my professional growth, and it was definitely valuable to have, no matter what industry you end up working in," he added.
As the launch date approaches, the project stands as a testament to the capabilities of student-led initiatives in pushing the frontiers of scientific research and education.