CubeSats are small, cube-shaped satellites that are often developed and launched as part of educational programs. These miniature satellites, typically 10 cm per side and weighing around 1-2 kg, provide students with the opportunity to design, build, and test space missions from the ground up. CubeSats are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes, including Earth observation, communications, and technology demonstration. The hands-on experience gained through CubeSat projects is invaluable, as it encompasses multiple STEM disciplines, such as engineering, physics, computer science, and mathematics.

The development and launch of CubeSats have become increasingly popular in educational institutions around the world. The CubeSat program, originally developed by Stanford University and California Polytechnic State University, has led to the launch of over 1,000 CubeSats since its inception. These projects not only provide practical experience for students but also contribute to real scientific research. For example, the QB50 project involved the launch of 36 CubeSats from universities worldwide to study the lower thermosphere, a region of Earth’s atmosphere that is difficult to observe. The success of such projects demonstrates the viability and educational value of CubeSats, with costs for development and launch ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the complexity of the mission.