Mexican Student CubeSat AzTech Sat-1 Achieves Milestone for Space Exploration 

AzTech Sat-1

AzTechSat-1, the red cube at right, is seen in space after being deployed from the International Space Station on Feb. 19, 2020. CryoCube, another NASA CubeSat that deployed with AzTechSat-1, is seen at left. Credits: NASA/Nanoracks 

CubeSats are small but mighty pieces of technology. Often built from commercial, off-the-shelf components these devices are cost-effective small satellites that can perform technology demonstrations, conduct research, and provide student outreach opportunities. 

A multidisciplinary team of students at Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), in Puebla, Mexico, took advantage of this technology in 2019. This team worked together to build the CubeSat, AzTechSat-1. When it was deployed in February 2020, it became the first satellite built by students in Mexico to deploy from the International Space Station. This was a huge milestone for Mexico, UPAEP, and the students involved. 

“The AzTech Sat-1 changed my life forever, professionally and personally,” said AzTech Sat-1 bionics engineer Rebeca Dorantes Carvajal on the UPAEP website. 

According to a NASA article, the investigation demonstrated communication within a satellite network in low-Earth orbit. Such Intra-satellite communication could reduce the need for ground stations, lowering the cost and increasing the number of data downloads possible for satellite applications. 

The success of the satellite deployment was covered by media outlets including The Weather Channel, Excelsior, El Universal, and El Heraldo. 

Learn more about the project: 

Mexican Students Launch a Small Satellite to the International Space Station 

NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative 

For researchers: 

AzTechSat-1 – International Space Station technical experiment page 

Learn more about international commercial space opportunities through Stellar Access at stellaraccess.com. 

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