Progetto CubeSat: un veicolo spaziale Aiglon

Aiglon College is set to achieve an exciting milestone with the development and upcoming launch of its first CubeSat spacecraft.

The project, scheduled for deployment in 18 months, provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on satellite engineering, equipping them with practical skills that will serve them well in future academic and professional pursuits.

The CubeSat and Its Mission

The CubeSat being developed is a small satellite, measuring just 10 cm cubed. Despite its compact size, this satellite holds great potential for scientific research. The CubeSat will orbit Earth and communicate its findings back to Aiglon via the Iridium satellite network.

The mission involves simulating the heat generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) processor to study how the heat energy moves around the CubeSat’s chassis. This type of research is important for future space missions, as more satellites and spacecraft incorporate AI processors, which can become very hot. Understanding how to manage heat in the vacuum of space will be essential for future exploration efforts.

Student Involvement: Learning through Practice

Sixteen students, aged 14 to 18, are at the heart of the CubeSat project. They meet for two hours each week to work in specialised teams, covering tasks such as programming microprocessors, conducting stratospheric balloon test flights, working on computer-aided design (CAD), and preparing for international conferences. Through this project, students are not only developing technical skills but also learning the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.

“The CubeSat initiative is an incredible and unique project hosted by Aiglon,” says John Hudson, Head of Physics at Aiglon. “The skills developed and experiences are parallel to university-level learning. Our students have a brilliant opportunity to springboard themselves into a myriad of exciting engineering careers.”

The Role of Philanthropy

The CubeSat project would not be possible without the generous philanthropic support from the Aiglon community. Donations from parents have enabled the school to acquire materials, mentorship, and rocket launch services. This financial backing has allowed students to access resources that many secondary school students can only dream of, such as working alongside experienced mentors and preparing to launch a satellite into space.

Learn more about the role of philanthropy in key education initiatives through our impact report.

Technical Challenges: Stress Testing and Autonomy

The mission apparatus, which weighs less than 400 g, will be housed in the top 4 cm of the satellite. To ensure its success, the satellite will undergo rigorous stress testing to verify its ability to survive the challenging conditions of space travel and the vacuum of space.

One of the key challenges of CubeSat missions is their autonomous nature. Unlike larger satellites that can be continuously monitored and controlled from Earth, CubeSats must operate independently. This requires careful planning and design, ensuring that the satellite’s systems can function without human intervention once it is launched.

Expert Experience on Campus

The mission was selected with guidance from Kevin Simmons, a mentor from the Florida-based Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team. Simmons brings a wealth of experience, having led several CubeSat missions and founded BLUECUBE Aerospace. His mentorship has been invaluable in helping the students shape their mission, which builds upon previous successful Wolfpack projects. Mr Simmons spent time on campus this week, not only providing key input into the project but also speaking at a morning Meditation, linking the success of space exploration with ambition and purpose encouraging all students to find their purpose and explore their full potential.

A Gateway to Future Projects

Looking ahead, the CubeSat project is intended to be the first of many at Aiglon. The hope is that future students will build on the work being done now, advancing the school’s role in CubeSat development and contributing to scientific research and exploration. The skills that students are learning today will serve as the foundation for future projects, both at Aiglon and beyond.

As John Hudson explains, “This project will accelerate their learning and understanding of the world – and of 21st-century science. Our students will emerge from this experience with skills that go beyond the classroom, opening doors to numerous career opportunities in the engineering and space sectors.”

We look forward to sharing with you future updates about the CubeSat experiments.