SleeperSat-1 Spacecraft - Nanosats Database

Spacecraft name	SleeperSat-1 (SPST-1)
Type	CubeSat
Units or mass	4U (2Ux2U)
Status	not launched, expected in 2026
Launcher	not launched
Organization	University of Texas at El Paso
Institution	University
Entity	Academic / Education
Country	US
Oneliner	Two payload modules: an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) module and a robotic arm module.
Description	A rectangular 4U CubeSat. The SleeperSat-1 mission is an educational initiative by the Aerospace Center at the University of Texas at El Paso, designed to support students in learning about the design, construction, and operation of small satellites, with an emphasis on radio telemetry and operating the UHF ground station. The satellite will act as an AX.25 repeater, so that amateur operators locally and around the world can use it as a resource for communicating. To provide experiments for the students to conduct, and to broaden the range of disciplines involved, the SleeperSat-1 project includes two student developed payload experiments: an AI/ML module and a Robotic Arm module. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Payload Subsystem (AIML): This payload showcases the capabilities of machine learning in small satellites, leveraging a dedicated printed circuit board (PCB) in low Earth orbit. It serves to demonstrate the potential for AI-driven operations in space exploration, enhancing onboard decision-making processes. Robotic Arm Payload Subsystem (RA): This payload investigates the impact of operating a robotic arm in a microgravity environment within a CubeSat platform. It includes three piezoelectric motors to facilitate motion control and manipulation tasks. The RA subsystem aims to analyze induced disturbances while also offering visualization and validation of motion within a virtual environment, as the robot arm manipulates an effector touching specified points on a surface. The SleeperSat-1 mission complies with ITU provisions 1.56, 1.57, and 25, as both the satellite and ground station are entirely developed by graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Texas at El Paso. This hands-on involvement contributes significantly to students' education by providing them with practical experience in satellite comm system design, build, test and operation. Additionally, amateur operators around the world will be able to use the satellite as a repeater to communicate with other amateur operators across the globe. Communications Overview The communications subsystem facilitates the satellite's communication from space to the ground and vice versa using radio frequencies. Different frequencies allow for varying transmission rates, determining how much information can be relayed within a given timeframe. The SleeperSat-1 mission primarily uses S-Band for communication, handling both the reception of commands from Earth and the transmission of telemetry and video data critical to our science objectives. The project uses UHF for beaconing and to serve as a secondary communication channel. Operating Frequencies: S-Band TX: 2200 - 2290 MHz S-Band RX: 2025 - 2110 MHz UHF: 435 - 438 MHz UHF: 2GFSK 9600 bps S-Band: GMSK 125 kbps
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Last modified: 2026-01-03