Hands-On STEM with CubeSats: High School Design Contests and Launch Opportunities
The rapid advancement of CubeSat technology is providing an unprecedented platform for hands-on STEM education at the high school level. These compact, modular satellites allow students to engage with real-world systems engineering concepts, including satellite architecture, embedded electronics, power management, sensors, and communication systems. High school CubeSat design contests provide a structured, project-based environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. By participating in end-to-end satellite design—from conceptualization and prototyping to testing—students gain a deep understanding of aerospace and electronics principles, preparing them for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields.
Complementing design contests, structured launch opportunities allow students to see their CubeSats deployed in orbit, providing a tangible culmination of their efforts. Partnerships with academic institutions, industry sponsors, and organizations like the IEEE Antennas & Propagation Society provide mentorship in areas such as antenna design, RF communications, regulatory compliance, and mission operations. Through guidance on telemetry, ground-station operations, and integration with commercial rideshare or university launch platforms, students gain exposure to the full lifecycle of satellite missions. These initiatives not only inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists but also demonstrate the transformative potential of CubeSats as an educational and technological tool in STEM learning. Following topic will be discussed:
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Sustainable CubeSat Design: Integrating Sensors, Batteries, and Low Carbon Footprint
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Eco-Friendly CubeSats: Sensor Integration and Battery Optimization for Reduced Carbon Impact
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Green CubeSat Systems: Advanced Sensors, Efficient Power, and Minimal Carbon Footprint
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CubeSat Innovations: Sensor-Driven Missions with Sustainable Battery and Carbon Reduction Strategies
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Designing Sustainable CubeSats: Balancing Sensors, Power, and Environmental Impact
Date and Time
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- McLean Blvd
- McLean Blvd
- Paterson, New Jersey
- United States 07504
- Building: 201
- Room Number: Auditorium
- Contact Event Hosts
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- Co-sponsored by IEEE AP-S CAC, SIGHT and COPE
- Starts 15 January 2026 03:00 PM UTC
- Ends 22 January 2026 05:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Vishal Kumar of ocean2sand.com
Hands-On STEM with CubeSats: High School Design Contests and Launch Opportunities
Biography:
Mr. Vishal Kumar is an experienced technology leader, entrepreneur, and the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Co-Founder of Ocean2Sand LLC, where he oversees engineering strategy, product architecture, and technical innovation. In his role with Ocean2Sand, he brings cross-disciplinary expertise in software engineering, systems architecture, and applied technology solutions that support complex technical and research-oriented initiatives. Mr. Kumar’s background also spans positions as Chief Software Architect, Product Manager, and Research Scientist at Digital Control Inc., as well as leadership roles with MetaTel and Poddar Apps, reflecting a strong blend of technical depth and practical product delivery experience.
An active contributor to the IEEE community, Mr. Kumar has delivered invited talks on advanced training technologies, including AI-ML, AR/VR, IoT, and cloud-based simulation, at events supported by the IEEE Antennas & Propagation Society and allied chapters. His presentations emphasize the intersection of emerging technologies with real-world applications, and he engages with both professional and student audiences to inspire innovation and broaden awareness of contemporary engineering challenges
Email:
Address:Paterson, United States, 07407