CubeSats in the Classroom: Using Nanosatellites to Teach STEM, Systems Engineering, and Mission Design

CubeSat Education Is Transforming How Students Learn Space

Hands-on learning changes everything. When students build real spacecraft hardware, concepts that once felt abstract suddenly become engineering decisions with real consequences. CubeSats bring this level of engagement into high schools, colleges, and research environments by giving student teams a path to space that aligns with academic schedules.

From orbital mechanics to communication protocols, nanosatellites help students understand the full lifecycle of a mission: design, build, integrate, test, launch, operate, and analyze. Blackwing Space works closely with educators to make CubeSat programs more accessible in the United States, from early exploration to actual flight missions.

Why CubeSats Are Ideal for Academic Programs

• Affordable, modular platforms tailored for student missions
• Development timelines measured in semesters instead of years
• Systems engineering experience across hardware, software, and operations
• Industry and government demand for CubeSat mission experience

A single CubeSat provides exposure to physics, aerospace, communications, power management, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Domestic Hardware for US Programs

Universities increasingly want American built systems to simplify logistics and regulatory compliance. Blackwing Space provides a US made nanosatellite platform designed for education, with:

• PyCubed based onboard computing for accessible development
• Flexible UHF (with TinyGS) and S-band radio configurations
• Full documentation and open standards for fast learning
• Mission support and no overseas shipping delays

Integration Into Curriculum

Level

Objectives

Example Activities

High School

STEM exposure and fundamentals

Ground station projects, CubeSat kits

Undergraduate

Systems engineering and payloads

Subsystem integration, FCC licensing

Graduate

Research and advanced mission capabilities

Novel sensors, ADCS development, flight software

Partnerships Drive Long Term Success

Effective CubeSat programs involve:

• Faculty mentorship with long term continuity
• Industry and government partnerships for launch access
• Role progression for students year over year

Blackwing Space offers design support, mission planning, and ground operations assistance to help teams succeed through their first complete mission.

Career Impact

Students who build operational satellites gain in demand technical skills in aerospace engineering, communications, robotics, software, and national security fields.

How Blackwing Space Supports Education

Blackwing Space helps academic CubeSat teams by providing:

• Affordable platforms designed for learning and flight heritage growth
• FCC licensing and frequency coordination as a service
• Ground Station as a Service for mission operations
• US based support and procurement

CubeSat education is creating the next wave of US space leadership. Blackwing Space is here to help students build the future, one mission at a time.