CySat
The mission of the CY SAT project is to design and develop a cube satellite intended to offer an adaptable platform for technological demonstration and scientific research in orbit. The team works to run Iowa State University’s first ever cubesat program, developing both the instrumentation and ground station for the Make to Innovate program project. CY SAT looks to establish technical excellence while fostering team collaboration and hands-on learning experiences within the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University.
Project Goal
The CY SAT project is the M2I project associated with the development and operation of nanosatellites, or “CubeSats”, at ISU. The team recently oversaw the deployment of CySat-1, ISU’s first CubeSat, from the ISS on October 9th, 2024. The team was unable to establish communication with the satellite, even with the help of the Amateur Satellite observer community. The Cubesat re-entered atmosphere on January 14th of 2025. To prepare for the development of CySat-2 in following semesters, the Spring 2025 team has undertaken the development of a demonstration payload for use aboard a HABET balloon flight. The payload collects near infrared and thermal imagery to conduct aerial surveys of crop health. The hands-on skills and experience gained with the mission development lifecycle shall provide the team with the knowledge necessary to complete CySat-2 with fewer hurdles than occurred with CySat-1. The team had the goal of conceptualizing, developing, assembling, testing, and flying the HALDIR payload in the Spring 2025 semester.
Project Deliverables
The team has deliverables of the CySat-1 Final Report, a poster and technical paper for the Small Sat 2025 conference, and a report on the development and operation of the HALDIR payload.
Next Steps
- The team is using this time to develop the necessary skills for the development of CySat-2.