ProjectsAbout the CubeSat
The CalPoly CP1 CubeSat
The CubeSat is a small satellite originally developed by California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University. Measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm and weighing less than 1 kg, this pico-satellite is meant to provide an inexpensive way to design, build, and launch a satellite. The majority of CubeSats have been created by college and university programs, since their relatively short timespan allows students to easily work on them. Additionally, various companies have joined in group of CubeSat developers.
Due to their small size, CubeSats generally are added onto other missions. A launching mechanism called the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) allows three CubeSats to be launched at one time. The satellites are launched into Low-Earth Orbit.
The CubeSat for the GSFC and UMBC Cloud CubeSat Project is a triple CubeSat, with dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm and weighing less than 3 kg.