UBC Orbit / Simon Fraser University joint 1U CubeSat — ESA Fly Your Satellite mission for Earth observation and disaster relief communications (vibration-tested February 2024, launch pending).
ALEASAT
UBC Orbit / Simon Fraser University joint 1U CubeSat — ESA Fly Your Satellite mission for Earth observation and disaster relief communications (vibration-tested February 2024, launch pending).
Description
ALEASAT is a 1U CubeSat being developed jointly by the UBC Orbit team at the University of British Columbia and the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Satellite Design Team as part of ESA's Fly Your Satellite Test Opportunity programme. The mission aims to provide Earth observation capability and disaster relief communications support, with a unique feature allowing amateur radio operators to command the satellite to photograph specific geographic locations.
UBC Orbit is a student design team of 50–100 students annually spanning all engineering disciplines. The ALEASAT project has been their primary mission, spanning mechanical design of the CubeSat structure and deployment rails, electrical design of the EPS, OBC, and communication board, and software development for the flight computer and ground station. The satellite completed vibration qualification testing at ESA's CubeSat Support Facility in Redu, Belgium in February 2024, confirming launch load compatibility in most structural areas.
Following identification of structural improvements during testing, the team initiated a redesign of affected panels, continuing to engage with ESA's Fly Your Satellite programme for ongoing technical support and mentorship. UBC Orbit has attracted mentorship from Canadian Space Agency alumni and industry professionals, and ALEASAT has gained visibility as one of Canada's leading student CubeSat programmes. The projected launch window is 2026–2027 through ESA-arranged launch services.
Specifications
| Form factor | 1U CubeSat |
|---|---|
| Mission | Earth observation + disaster relief communications |
| Payload | Optical camera, UHF/VHF amateur radio |
| Programme | ESA Fly Your Satellite Test Opportunity |
| Partners | UBC Orbit + SFU Satellite Design Team |
| Testing | ESA CubeSat Support Facility, Redu, Belgium (February 2024) |
| Status (2026) | Structural redesign in progress, launch pending |
| Team | 50–100 students annually (UBC) |