Sonoma State University students to launch '3UCubed' satellite into space Thursday - Local News Matters
The CubeSat “3UCubed,” designed by a collaborative team of about 70 students from three universities, is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Thursday at 10:18 a. m. This satellite will measure atmospheric density and electron precipitation, contributing to NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe mission. It is approximately the size of a loaf of bread and will operate in the thermosphere, the same region where the International Space Station orbits. The students spent five years working on the project, developing software for ground communication and data collection.
Logan Rubalcava, a recent SSU graduate, emphasized the project's impact on his personal growth, highlighting the importance of curiosity and collaboration in STEM fields. A public watch party via Zoom will take place at 9:30 a. m. before the launch. The project showcases the practical application of academic learning and teamwork in a real-world context.
Such initiatives can inspire future generations in science and engineering.