Launching a satellite into orbit starts long before it reaches the launchpad; it begins at the workstation. In our upcoming aerospace program, students won’t just be spectatorsโ€”they will become the primary architects of their missions.

The journey starts with 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling, where students learn to translate complex engineering requirements into precise digital blueprints. Using industry-standard software, they will design the structural skeleton of their 1U CubeSat, ensuring every millimeter is optimized to house delicate internal components like the Raspberry Pi flight computer and the battery power system.

Once the digital design is perfected, the magic of additive manufacturing takes over. Students will gain hands-on experience with high-precision 3D printers, transforming their virtual models into tangible, physical hardware. By printing their own framesโ€”like our signature 10cm x 10cm x 10cm black structural chassisโ€”students learn the critical relationship between material science and structural integrity. They will experiment with different filaments, infill patterns, and tolerances, discovering firsthand how to build a frame that is lightweight enough for flight yet robust enough to withstand the rigors of testing.

This integrated approach ensures that our students walk away with more than just a certificate; they leave with a portfolio of real-world skills. By building their own functional frames from scratch, they bridge the gap between theoretical physics and practical mechanical engineering. This hands-on foundation in 3D modeling and printing is exactly what prepares them for the next step: assembling the solar panels and power systems that will eventually sustain their CubeSats in the harsh environment of space. We are thrilled to empower the next generation of engineers as they build the future of space exploration, one layer at a time.

About

Future Space Pioneers Academy is a non-profit organization that brings space technology and career development into the public and private school systems to educate and prepare students for careers in the new space economy. Students participate in hands-on development of real-world space technology using low-cost materials. Training courses allow all middle or high school level students the chance to design and build their own micro-satellite as a team and launch their satellite into orbit.

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