In a groundbreaking collaboration, a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students from three illustrious universities has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a miniature satellite, affectionately termed a CubeSat, that is poised to make its maiden voyage into the vastness of space. Scheduled for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, this satellite, named 3UCubed, represents the fusion of innovative research and educational endeavor. The planned launch, set for November 10, 2025, at 10:19 a.m. PST, marks a significant milestone for the participating institutions, namely the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Sonoma State University (SSU), and Howard University (HU).
The central mission of the 3UCubed satellite aligns with NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) initiative, designed to provide invaluable insights into the solar wind. This high-speed stream of charged particles emanating from the sun can have profound effects on the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere. By studying the behavior of solar wind, scientists aspire to enhance space weather forecasting, ultimately protecting critical technologies, such as communication networks, power grids, and GPS systems, from the potentially catastrophic impacts of solar flares.
The project’s significance transcends mere technological advancement; it serves as an educational platform for students. As Noé Lugaz, a respected research professor in physics and astronomy at UNH, emphasized, this endeavor presents an extraordinary opportunity for undergraduates to engage in hands-on technical training while collaborating with their peers from different backgrounds. The experience provides not just knowledge, but also fosters a sense of community and teamwork, valuable assets as students transition into careers in fields related to aerospace, engineering, and science.
The creation of 3UCubed was the result of a concerted effort involving a team of 70 undergraduate students. These ambitious young scientists and engineers took on multifaceted roles within the project, demonstrating a range of skills from software development to hardware assembly. Notably, the name “3UCubed” not only encapsulates the mission’s objective of uplifting undergraduate students in the realms of space research but also symbolizes the tripartite collaboration among the three universities. This kind of teamwork is inherent to the spirit of research and innovation, providing a nurturing ground for the next generation of scientists.
Constructed with remarkable precision, the CubeSat will operate in the thermosphere, the high-altitude region of the Earth’s atmosphere, where it will gather vital data concerning atmospheric density and the influx of electrons stemming from space. The information collected will be particularly crucial in elucidating the processes that occur within the auroral and cusp regions, areas where solar particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. Such investigations are parenthetically important in our ongoing efforts to comprehend how solar activities influence our planet’s protective mechanisms.
CubeSats, characterized by their compact design and cost efficiency, have emerged as a game-changing technology in the realm of space exploration. Their standardized size, equivalent to that of a loaf of bread, allows for simplified construction and operation compared to traditional, larger satellites. This size and efficiency render CubeSats an ideal platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, facilitating a smooth transition from academic settings to professional endeavors.
Over the course of five years, the 3UCubed team dedicated themselves to the satellite’s development, engaging in a broad spectrum of activities that spanned multiple disciplines. This process included everything from writing the software code essential for the CubeSat’s operation to the intricate task of soldering wires during the construction phase. Their journey not only involved technical challenges but also required strategic planning, such as performing trade studies and orbit analyses. Several students took the initiative to select vendors for various components and overseen departmental budgets that encompassed critical aspects of power, mass, and telemetry requirements.
As Alex Chesley, a UNH mechanical engineering alumnus and former team member, reminisced about the project, he highlighted the significance of working alongside industry professionals. His enthusiasm for the aerospace sector was channeled into practical experience that he regarded as indispensable. Engaging with complex subjects in space science and instrumentation expanded his horizons and prepared him for a successful career as a configuration engineer at STS Aerospace.
The satellite’s assembly and the development of its payload instruments took place at UNH, showcasing the university’s commitment to research and innovation in aerospace. Students at SSU played a crucial role in creating the software for the ground station, which is responsible for monitoring and communicating with the satellite post-launch. Moreover, the collaborative efforts extend to Howard University, which contributed to establishing a backup ground station, guaranteeing the mission’s resilience and data integrity.
Haley Joerger, another participant from SSU, reflected on her transformative experience in the CubeSat project, detailing how mentorship was pivotal in cultivating her confidence and skill set. The experience not only prepared her for her current role as an application engineer at Keysight Technologies but also fostered enduring friendships with her teammates, illustrating the profound impact of educational collaborations on personal and professional growth.
Beyond the bounds of technical skills, the project reached out to local communities, engaging amateur radio operators and Scout groups in constructing a ground station for communication with the satellite. This initiative underscores the broader implications of space research and the importance of inspiring young minds through science and technology, as the satellite serves as a beacon of innovation and education.
As the launch date draws near, anticipation builds not only among the students and faculty involved in the project but also within the broader academic and scientific community. The data gathered from the 3UCubed satellite is expected to play a vital role in enriching our understanding of complex atmospheric phenomena and enhancing our preparedness for solar events.
In conclusion, the 3UCubed CubeSat initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, the insatiable curiosity of young minds, and the wealth of knowledge that arises when educational institutions unite for a common goal. As this groundbreaking satellite prepares to embark on its journey into the cosmos, it embodies the aspirations of numerous students and researchers, paving the way for future explorations and discoveries that could redefine our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Subject of Research: Solar Wind and Space Weather Forecasting
Article Title: Students Launch CubeSat to Enhance Understanding of Solar Wind
News Publication Date: November 6, 2025
Web References: https://www.unh.edu
References: Not specified
Image Credits: UNH, NASA 3UCubed
Keywords
CubeSat, 3UCubed, solar wind, space weather, satellite, University of New Hampshire, Sonoma State University, Howard University, NASA, space exploration, undergraduate research, technology development.
