In August 2016, the UPSat CubeSat, a pioneering open-source satellite developed by the University of Patras and the Libre Space Foundation, was delivered to Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISpace) in Delft, Netherlands. This marked a significant milestone in the European Space Agency's (ESA) QB50 project, which aimed to deploy a network of CubeSats to study the lower thermosphere. ([libre.space](
Overview of the QB50 Project
The QB50 project was an international initiative coordinated by the Von Karman Institute in Belgium, designed to investigate the largely unexplored lower thermosphere. The mission involved deploying a constellation of 50 CubeSats, each equipped with identical sensors, to conduct multi-point, in-situ measurements of key atmospheric parameters. This collaborative effort included universities and research institutions worldwide, contributing to the development of standardized double or triple CubeSats. The data collected aimed to enhance understanding of the thermosphere's dynamics and support re-entry research. ([isispace.nl](
Development and Delivery of UPSat
UPSat, designated as GR-02 in the QB50 mission, was a 2U CubeSat developed by the University of Patras and the Libre Space Foundation. Notably, it was the first satellite to be entirely open-source, with both hardware and software designs freely available under open hardware and software licenses. This approach minimized the use of commercial off-the-shelf components, fostering innovation and collaboration within the space community. ([libre.space](
On August 18, 2016, UPSat was successfully delivered to ISISpace in Delft, Netherlands. This delivery was a crucial step toward the satellite's integration into the NanoRacks launch system, facilitating its deployment from the International Space Station (ISS). The collaboration between the University of Patras, the Libre Space Foundation, the Von Karman Institute, and ISISpace engineers ensured the completion of all necessary tests and procedures for UPSat's launch. ([libre.space](
Launch and Mission Details
UPSat was launched on April 18, 2017, aboard an Atlas V rocket as part of the QB50 mission. The rocket carried the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the ISS, which included UPSat among other payloads. After docking with the ISS, UPSat was deployed into orbit on May 18, 2017, via the NanoRacks deployer. The satellite's mission was to conduct atmospheric research, focusing on the lower thermosphere, and to demonstrate the viability of open-source hardware and software in space applications. ([en.wikipedia.org](
Significance of Open-Source Initiatives in Space
The UPSat project exemplifies the growing trend of open-source initiatives in space technology. By providing all design files and software under open licenses, UPSat encouraged collaboration and innovation within the global space community. This approach not only reduced development costs but also accelerated the pace of technological advancement by allowing others to build upon existing work. The success of UPSat has inspired similar projects, such as OreSat, an open-source CubeSat project from Oregon, and the AcubeSAT mission, which aims to explore the effects of microgravity and radiation on eukaryotic cells. ([github.com](
Conclusion
The delivery of UPSat to ISISpace in August 2016 was a pivotal moment in the ESA's QB50 project and in the broader context of open-source space initiatives. UPSat's successful deployment and operation demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of open-source approaches in satellite development, paving the way for future collaborative efforts in space exploration.