Ukpik 1

Ukpik 1 [University of Western Ontario]

Ukpik 1 is a Canadian 2U CubeSat developed by University of Western Ontario as the Western University – Nunavut Arctic College CubeSat Project.

The primary objective of Ukpik-1 is to provide experiential learning and training opportunities for students interested in spacecraft and ground station development and operations. These lessons will also be used to STEM outreach program planning and delivery.

The secondary objective is to install and run an immersive VR camera in orbit for educational and outreach objectives.

It will conduct a flight-test with a revolutionary imaging system to demonstrate engineering technology and provide photographs suitable for virtual reality. This imaging technology has potential uses in earth observation and space exploration. Testing will show imaging modes for various in-orbit functions. Western University's Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) can expand its STEM outreach by incorporating CubeSat operations into the classroom.

The satellite was launched onboard the Dragon CRS-28 cargo spacecraft to the ISS, from where it was deployed in July 2023.