Ukpik-1 (Western University – Nunavut Arctic College CubeSat Project)

Educational mission to flight-test a novel imaging system to provide virtual reality-ready images.

Launching as a part of the Canadian CubeSat Project. The primary objective of Ukpik-1 is to provide students with experiential learning and training opportunities who are interested in spacecraft and ground station development and operations. These learnings will also be extended to STEM outreach program development and delivery. The secondary objective is to integrate and operate an immersive VR camera in orbit for education and outreach purposes.

Conduct a flight-test with a novel imaging system for engineering technology demonstration with the potential to provide virtual reality-ready images. This imaging system has future applications in Earth observation and space exploration. Testing will demonstrate imaging modes for different in-orbit functions. Enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach of Western University’s Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) by taking CubeSat operations into the classroom.